Teen Topics

Reviews

Review Key:  Classics, Contemporary Realistic, Horror, Romance, Sci-fi and Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery, Historical and Westerns, Graphic Novel, Non-fiction *= movie, TV or music

 

Have you read a book, seen a movie, or heard a CD that you think everyone should experience?  Have you run into something that you want to spare anyone else from reading?  Let us hear about it.  Just send in a review to me and I'll be sure to post it.  You can either drop by the Young Adult room and give it to me in person, or you can e-mail it to hendersonville_library_youth@yahoo.com 

 

 

 

The Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins

YF Col

Reviewed by Caitlin

 

The Hunger Games is a novel full of adventure, excitement, survival, and many other interesting things.  The story centers around a sixteen-year-old girl, Katniss, who lives in the North America of the future, Panem.  She volunteers to take her younger sister's place in the annual "Hunger Games."  Katniss then travels to Panem's Capitol to participate in the games, a televised fight to the death.  I would strongly advise anyone looking for a good book to read The Hunger Games.  I'm warning you, though -- once you pick it up, it's hard to put it down!

 

Also reviewed by Garrett W.

 

When I got told to read this book, I didn't know what I was getting into!  Even though the first chapter is a little slow, if you're looking for action, irony, drama, and yes, even love, this thrilling book is just for you.  You have found the game of the future, The Hunger Games, located in future North America.  A must read for all teens and adults alike.




Myspace/Our Planet :Change Is Possible
By The Myspace Community/Tom Anderson
Y 333.7 Tau
Reviewed by Haley

  I had originally written a much more appealing  review for this book, but lost it. So, I guess you could say this is a good book...if you're one of those people who's into facts and stuff. Anyway, i encourage you to sign-up for the program it's representing in the book if you have a myspace, or you can also follow them on twitter. The more people they have to sign-up, the more they can change how we treat our planet.



Mozart: The Boy Who Changed the World with His Music

By Marcus Weeks
J 780.92
Reviewed by Haley


  This is a very insightful book that shows you the life of Wolfgang Mozart, from a young age, continuing to his death. It is in my opinion a good book and didn't take me too long to read. Has many pictures to help you get a visualization of what it was like for this young composer. So, in all, I believe this was a good book, and great for any fan of classical music.

 



Expressions of Giverny: Monet's World 

By Charles Weckler
759.4 Wec
Reviewed by Haley

  Well, truthfully i read this before the summer reading program.  I thought about not reviewing it, but it has to do with art, so, i might as well. I was so fascinated by his beautiful work, that when I found a book on him, i just HAD to read it! I have two of his paintings hanging in my room. I believe their names are, "
Poppy Field," and, "Waterloo Bridge."  My aunt is also a fan of his work so she gave me and mom two more paintings when she moved into her new house. I enjoyed the book a lot  and can't wait to read more books about him. I would reccommend this book to any art fans, particularly artists who prefer a more 'serene' setting.

 



The Graveyard Book

by Neil Gaiman

YF Gai

Reviewed by Garrett W.

 

This book is fantastic!  There's a mix of Harry Potter, L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time, and Gaiman's Coraline all bunched up together.  This book is such and easy read, yet still a fantastic storyline.  This is a story of a boy who gets raised by ghosts.  So, with that comes growing up and realizing the perks and sucky things that come with it.  I fully recommend this book to adults and teens.

 

 

 

Gothic Art

by Jessica Gunderson

Y 709.02 Gun

Reviewed by Emily M.

 

This book tells you about important artists and events that happened during the age of gothic art (1150-1400) without letting the reader get overwhelmed by a myriad of details.  Colorful and awe-inspiring pictures of cathedrals and tapestries fill the pages, making it an interesting and educational read.

 

 

In the Wings

by Kyle Froman

792.809 Fro

Reviewed by Caitlin

 

In the book In the Wings, ballet dancer Kyle Froman shares his experience in the New York City Ballet.  Through compelling backstage photographs and informative commentary, Mr. Froman transports you into the life of a professional dancer.  This is a great book, and I think that anyone that loves ballet should read it.

 

 

Amelia Earhart: Aviator

by Nancy Shore

JB Ear

Reviewed by Caitlin

 

This biography of Amelia Earhart is great because it has information on almost every aspect of the famous aviator's life from her birth to her mysterious disappearance over the Pacific Ocean.  For anyone interested in aviation, I would strongly suggest this biography.

 

 

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

by J. K. Rowling

YF Row

Reviewed by Emily M.

 

I liked how the book had more plot in the beginning than in the previous books, but I felt that she sort of drew out the games more than she needed to; it almost lost me for a short time in the middle.  I think it could have easily gotten the same point across with about 100 less pages.

 

 

 

The Orchestra

by Alan Blackwood

784.2 B

Reviewed by Elizabeth G.

 

I am a member of Ellis Orchestra, and learned (and reviewed) a great deal of information.

 

 

 

Fabled Lands

by the editors of Time-Life Books

398.2 T

Reviewed by Elizabeth G.

 

Some of the stories were interesting, but a lot of the mythical worlds were against my beliefs.

 

 

 

The Pearl

by John Steinbeck

APB Ste

Reviewed by Alyssa

 

It was depressing and a little too many details were there.  Otherwise it was well written.

 

 

 

Brother Against Brother

by Franklin Dixon

JF Dix

Reviewed by Alyssa

 

It was a very good book and had many interesting parts.

 

 

Campaign of Crime

by Franklin Dixon

JF Dix

Reviewed by Alyssa

 

This was a very good book because it had so many cliffhangers!

 

 

 * Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Directed by David Yates
Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson
Rated PG-13
Reviewed by Emily M.
 
The movie was exciting and followed the book fairly well.  The characters had the same personalitites as they did in the book.  However, it skipped over several things I thought were important to understanding the plot.
 
 
 
 
Learning American Sign Language
By Tom Humphries and Carol Padden
419 Hum
Reviewed by Haley
 
This book was a very great visualization to help with mastering the skill of sign language. I loved the examples it used and the phrases to help me further understand sign language. It was a very enjoyable book, thanks to mrs. april!
I definetly would recommend this book if want to understand the key-pointers of american sign language.
 
 
 
Classic Poems to Read Aloud
Selected by James Berry
J 808.1 Ber
Reviewed by Haley

  Well, first off, i never would've found this book unless one of my friends hadn't shown me where he found it. So, thanks, 'cause this book was great! I don't particularly like reading poetry 'cause i mostly thought that just 'saps read it, but i've started writing some of my own lately. (it's still not exactly my style of reading) But, in all, it was a very good book and a great sense of poetic language to be able to pick-out sooooo many of history's poems that just seem to pop right off the page. Some that stood out to me most were:
~ All the World's a Stage (from 'as you like it' : act 2, scene 7)
by: William Shakespeare
~ Jabber Wocky
by: Lewis Carroll
and
~ A Day In Autumn
by: R.S. Thomas 

All are truly amazing in my opinion!!!
 
 
 
Words, Words, Words
by David Crystal
401.4 Cry
Reviewed by Emily M
 
Written by a linguistics professor, this book overflows with a love of the English language and will make you reconsider several words you though were dull and uninteresting, such as "nice."  Full of humor and fascinating facts, you will be dying to share everything in it with the people around you when you finish.
 
 
*X: 2004
CD
Various artists
Reviewed by Emily M.
 
The music is very upbeat, with lots of drums/electric guitar, so it is great running music.  Because it is Christian music, the words are wholesome and the message they convey is good.  Hoever, a couple are somewhat lacking in a melody.
 
 
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
by Anne Frank
YPB Fra
Reviewed by Emily M.
 
Even though she is surrounded by adversity and fear, Anne keeps a relatively cheerful outlook and, despite the dramatic difference in her situation and mine, she is easy to relate to.  But the end of the book, you feel as though you have known her for years and lived through her trials alongside her.
 
 
 
Garfield: His 9 Lives
by Jim Davis
741.5 D
Reviewed by Caitlin
 
I did not care for this book at all.  Garfield: His 9 Lives is so different from the comic strip we have all come to know and love, that if I hadn't read the title, I wouldn't know it was Garfield.  The jokes aren't funny and the storyline isn't interesting.  I definitely wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
 
 
Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats
by T.S. Eliot
821 E
Reviewed by Caitlin
 
Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats is a book of entertaining poems about various cats from Macavity, the Mystery Cat, to Skimbleshanks, the Railway Cat.  The hit Broadway musical Cats is based on this collection of poems.  I think it's a great book, and I would suggest it to any cat lover.
 
 
Fairest
by Gail Carson Levine
YF Lev
Reviewed by Caitlin
 
Fairest is about Aza, a girl living in a faraway kingdom where beauty and singing are very important.  I liked this book because it had romance, adventure, and lots of twists in it.  I would recommend Fairest to anyone looking for a good book.
 
 
 
Mi Musica = My Music
by George Ancona
J 780.89 Anc
Reviewed by Holland
 
I liked it because it told me about some instruments I know, and some I've never heard of.
 
 
Shel Silverstein
by Cari Meister
JB Sil
Reviewed by Holland
 
I loved learning about him from his biography.  I hadn't known he wanted to be a baseball player!  I really enjoyed it.
 
 
Michelangelo
by Joanne Mattern
JB Mic
Reviewed by Holland
 
This book was very enthralling, and I highly enjoyed it.  Apparently he had many unfinished projects.  I learned a lot more about him that I didn't know.
 
 
Diego Rivera
by Joanne Mattern
JB Riv
Reviewed by Holland
 
Diego Rivera was a very good book.  It was very descriptive, and an interesting read.
 
 
Aero-Mania
by Bill Gunston
J 629.133 Gun
Reviewed by Holland
 
I enjoyed reading about all of the different planes and rockets.  It was really interesting.
 
 
The Melting Season
by Celeste Conway
YF Con
Reviewed by Caitlin
 
In The Melting Season, Giselle is the daughter of two famous ballet dancers, her flashy mother, and her late father.  She's content to continue going to ballet every Saturday and hanging out with her best friend Magda until something turns her life around: meeting Will Brooks.  This is a really good book for any girl interested in dance.
 
 
Heartsongs
by Mattie J. T. Stepanek
Y 811 Ste
Reviewed by Holland
 
They were all very creative little poems, and I enjoyed them.  (Note from Sharon: The poet is the little boy with muscular dystrophy who was featured many times on Oprah before he passed away.)
 
 
People in the News: Kelly Clarkson
by Laurie Collier Hillstrom
YB Cla
Reviewed by Caitlin
 
I liked this biography because it had tons of information about Kelly Clarkson, one of my favorite singers.  This biography tells about almost every aspect of the first American Idol winner's career.  I would recommend this book to any and all fans of Kelly Clarkson.
 
 
 
*UP
Directed by Pete Docter and Bob Peterson
a Disney/Pixar film
Starring Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer, and Jordan Nagai
Reviewed by Caitlin
 
I went into the movie UP expecting another little kids' movie.  What a surprise I got!  UP is a great film, possible the best Disney/Pixar movie yet.  It centers around grumpy, widowed Carl and perky "Wilderness Explorer" Russell.  Carl floats his house to South America using thousands of balloons, unknowingly bringing Russell along for the ride.  This movie was unbelievable, with equal funny and serious parts.  However, it's an unexpected tearjerker, so bring along some tissues!
 
 
 
Chasing Vermeer
by Blue Balliet
JF Bal
Reviewed by Caitlin
 
Chasing Vermeer is a great book about two kids, Petra and Calder.  Together, the kids work to uncover the theft of one of the painter Vermeer's only surviving works.  This novel is full of friendship, mystery, and suspense.  Chasing Vermeer is a great book for art and mystery lovers alike.
 
 
 
*Carnival Ride
album by Carrie Underwood
Reviewed by Caitlin
 
Carrie Underwood has blown me away again with her second CD.  With hits such as "Just a Dream," "I Told You So," and "Last Name," this CD quickly became my favorite CD from any genre.  The music is mostly country, but sometimes sounds a little like pop.  I would encourage anyone to listen to this CD.
 
 
 
Falling Up
by Shel Silverstein
J 811. 54 Sil
Reviewed by Shoni
 
I'm not a huge fan of poetry, but Silverstein really does have a way with words.  My mom and I both cracked up over some of the poems in there.  Even my little brother liked some of the poetry and illustrations.   It was all in all and easy, readable poetry book.
 
 
 
The Education of Little Tree
by Forrest Carter
JPB Car
Reviewed by Holland
 
I absolutely loved this book!  Once I started reading, I couldn't stop, and the descriptions were amazing.  I would love for others to read it.
 
 
A Wrinkle in Time
by Madeleine L'Engle
JPB L'E
Reviewed by Haley 


It just didn't do anything for me, to be honest. Did I think it was an awesome story? Yes. And even more, it teaches a very valuable lesson that I think everyone should learn. Was it well-written? Of course. But this 132-page book took me like almost a month to finish, simply because each time I picked it up and started to read another chapter, I quickly lost interest. I would find myself losing track of what was occurring in the novel and instead paying attention to my own surroundings. Isn't is supposed to be the other way around? Bottom line: A Wrinkle in Time just wasn't my cup of tea.

 

 
Hikaru No Go 1-6
by Yumi Hotta/ Takeshi Obata
YPB Hot
Reviewed by Haley 

 Hikaru is just an ordinary 6th grade boy, who gets caught-up in a crazy situation. While searching through some of his grandfather's old stuff to sell, hikaru, comes across an old "go" board that is possessed by a vengeful spirit, seeking to return to its beloved game. Now, hikaru has to play the game, not knowing the first thing of it, so the spirit will be able to go to nirvana, and then be satisfied. But, he must first battle the noturious 'Akria', in order to help Sai(the spirit that possesses the game). Will he win or will he take on a crushing defeat?? Find all this and more in 'Hikaru No Go, Vol.1'.
 
Also reviewed by Emily M.
 
The book was lighthearted and had interesting graphics, but I never noticed any real plotline, merely a long string of episodes that somehow managed to fit together.  It felt disjointed while I was reading it.
 
 
Warriors: Cats of the Clan
by Erin Hunter
YF Hun
Reviewed by Holland
 
I liked the book, for it was descriptive but it could have been more so.  I still liked it, though.
 
 
Haunted Houses
by Stuart A. Kallen
Y 133.1 Kal
Reviewed by Holland
 
I thought this book was very interesting and was a very enjoyable read.  I think others would enjoy it, too.
 
 
John Lennon, All I Want Is The Truth
by Elizabeth Partridge
YB Len
Reviewed by Holland
 
I liked it because this book wasn't biased and told the whole truth of his life.
 
 
Justin Timberlake
by Terri Dougherty
YB Tim
Reviewed by Haley
 

WOW! You haven’t heard enough about timberlake, until you’ve read this book! I read sooooo much about him, my head is going to explode.

I don’t think most reviews are criticizing, but this book is so incredibly stupid. Of course, my first impression was that it would be stupid, but this is so stupid that I don’t think I’ll ever read a biography about him again for as long as I live. (how do people put-up with this guy?!?!) he pretty much gets whatever he wants! Well, I sure do hope you liked this review…and do us all a favor, and don’t check-out this book.
 
 
*Journey to the Center of the Earth
Directed by Eric Brevig
Starring Brenden Fraser and Josh Hutcherson
Rated PG
Reviewed by Kaity
 
This is an amazing movie that is a fun thriller and awesome 3-D.  One of my favorite movies of last year was definitely Journey to the Center of the Earth.  You should see it, too!  5 stars.
 
 
The Doll People
by Ann M. Martin
JF Mar
Reviewed by Kaity

I personally love The Doll People.  One of the reasons why is because it is more of a kid book and those are always fun.  I would recommend this book for any age.


Flutes
by Pamela Harris
J 788.3 Har
Reviewed by Kaity
I play the flute in band and love it, but it never hurts to know just a little more.  There are so many different kinds I had never heard of.  This was a great book.


365 Things to Make and Do
by Vivienne Bolton
J 745.5 Bol
Reviewed by Kaity
This was a cute fun book that had many different crafts for little and older kids.  There were everything from pop-up cards to miniature tea sets.  This was a really fun book.  4 stars.


City of Glass
by Cassandra Clare
YF Cla
Reviewed by Garrett W.

Wow.  I just read the other two a second time, in preparation for this third and last book, recently published.  Sometimes, the lovefest was a little tiring, but the climax of this book, found at the end, is great.  This adventurous book is filled with so many turning points, it's unbelievably good.  4 1/2 stars (1/2 for soap opera-ish, kinda like Twilight, in my opinion).


Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
by Hayao Miyazaki
YPB Miy
Reviewed by Garrett W.

Wow.  What a totally different way of reading a story!  Definitely for the visual person.  Even though I'm not a fan of comics (whoops -- mangas), you should definitely try it, if you haven't!  Who knows, you may like it a lot!


How Angel Peterson Got His Name
by Gary Paulsen
YB Pau
Reviewed by Garrett W.

What a funny and laugh-out-loud kind of book!   There's so many funny little stories mixed into one little book.  3 1/2 stars.


Warriors: Power of Three: Sunset
by Erin Hunter
YF Hun
Reviewed by Holland
 
I liked it, but I didn't feel the same way about the ending, for a few characters died that didn't need to.  It was a mostly good book, though.
 
 
*Joe Versus the Volcano
Directed by John Patrick Shanley
Starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan
Reviewed by Holland
 
I absolutely loved this movie, especially the end.  I would love for others to watch it!  I would definitely, if I were a professional reviewer, I would give it 5 stars!
 
 
After
by Francine Prose
YF Pro
Reviewed by Chip
 
It was interesting.  A vague title that makes you want to read.  It didn't have a recogizable plot, and had a bad ending.
 
 
 
 
Project: Rescue Chelsea
by Melody Carlson
not in the library
Reviewed by Anne
 
I think it deserves three stars because it had things I can relate to.  It is about friendship and jealousy.  The book gave me advice on how I should deal with new friends and jealousy.
 
 
 
Rose Faces the Music
by L. E. Williams
JF W
Reviewed by Anne
 
This book deserves three stars because it was a cute story.  I still think that the author could have made the story a little more interesting, but the story was great overall.
 
 
 
Cracks in the Sidewalk
by Crystal Bowman
not in the library
Reviewed by Anne
 
This poem book only deserves two stars because it was a little random.  Some of the poems that were written had the weirdest topics.  Overall, I guess it was okay.  Some of them were actually sort of funny.
 
 
Twelve
by Lauren Myracle
YF Myr
Reviewed by Kaity
 
This is one of those books I realy got into.  I think the main reason for that is because this girl is my age, same grade, and is going through the same things.  But this author writes it all in a fun interesting way.
 
 
 
Electric Girl
by Michael Brennan
Y741.5 Bre
Reviewed by Kaity
 
I don't really like comics or things that are really just unreal to me.  And although this book wasn't my favorite, it was nice to read something different for a change.
 
 
Custard and Company
by Ogden Nash
811.52 N
Reviewed by Kaity
 
I really love poetry, and this author wrote some really interesting poems, and some funny ones, too.  I like how he rhymed and didn't just just free verse also.
 
 
 
Fruits Basket #14
by Natsuki Takaya
YPB Tak
Reviewed by Shoni
 
I love the Fruits Basket series and this was one of those amazing books that give amazing background at the same time it gets you up to date with the present.  I would so suggest this book to anyone who loves manga, drama, and some romance.
 
 
 
Hardy Boys Case Files: Fire in the Sky #126
by Franklin W. Dixon
JF Dix
Reviewed by Shoni
 
For those people who like quick reads and action, this book is great.  It is part of the Hardy Boys Case Files series, although the books are not a continuous story, but all separate short stories.  I ave read up to #137, but this is one of the best ones I've read recently.  It has a little drama, but it's mostly an amazing, action packed adventure.  It involves some guy over girl protection, which I love, and the book has great actions scenes.
 
 
 
Dancer
by Lorri Hewitt
YF Hew
Reviewed by Caitlin
 
Dancer is a great book about ballet, but it is also so much more.  This book also talks about friendship, love, commitment, and choices.  In Dancer, the main character, Stephanie, is disappointed because she wasn't cast as the lead role in her balet studio's production of Sleeping Beauty.  However, as she meets Vance, a nonchalant but outstanding dancer, Mr. Winnie, an aging ballet star and many others, Stephanie begins to realize what dancing is all about.  Dancer is a novel that I would recommend to anyone interest in ballet.
 
 
Among the Hidden
by Margaret Peterson Haddix
YPB Had
Reviewed by Caitlin
 
In Among the Hidden, Luke Garner just wants to be a normal kid.  But instead, Luke has to remain in his windowless attic bedroom, just in case someone sees him.  Why? Luke is a third child, and therefore he is illegal.  Luke and his family live in a world where the Governemtn has complete control over its citizens.  Families are only allowed two children.  Any more than that and the "shadow" children (the extras) must spend their days carefully hiding from the population police.  Luke and his newfound friend Jen are members of this secret population.  Among the Hidden is a book filled with excitement, suspense, and is surely a don-put-it-down-until-you-finish-it kind of book.  Among the Hidden will leave you screaming for the sequel to this amazing book.  I highly recommend it for anyone looking for an adventure.
 
 
 
 The Year of Secret Assignments
by Jaclyn Moriarty
YF Mor
Reviewed by Cate
 
It was an amazing, interesting book.  It had me on the edge of my seat to keep reading.  I suggest this book to anyone who likes romance, secret agents, mysteries, or just plain entertainment.
 
 
 
Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy
by Ally Carter
YPB Car
Reviewed by Emily M.
 
The book was funny and lighthearted, and I liked how Cammie, although she knows an insane amount of information, knows about the same about what is going on as you do.
 
 
 
Selections from Classic Poems to Read, including "All the World's a Stage" by Shakespeare
Edited by James Berry
J 808.1 Ber
Reviewed by Garrett W.
 
What a great and different kind of poem!  Also, like most of Shakespeare's stories, there's things that are definitely underlying in this poem.  So much for just a few paragraphs.
 
 
 
Look What I Did With A Leaf
by Morteza E. Sohi
J 745.58 Soh
Reviewed by Garrett W.
 
I can tell you honestly that I read this book for a quick NF book to read, but was pleasantly surprised.  The contents of this book not only tell you about tree leaves, but also how to make art with them.  Simply different!
 
 
 
Things Hoped For
by Andrew Clements
YF Cle
Reviewed by Garret W.
 
Ever heard of the violin?  Well, there's this girl in this story that plays it.  This bit of information is but 1/20 of what you'll get out of this unique, yet strange book.  A musician of any sort should definitely pick this book up!
 
 
 
*Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian
Directed by Shawn Levy
Rated PG
Reviewed by Garrett W.
 
Ever hear of Night at the Museum? This great sequel is a must for people of all ages!  With comedy for all ages, I recommend it.  I watched it with low hopes, and came out with a smile.  Totally clean, but definitely great!  4 stars.
 
 
 
Flags of Our Fathers
by James Bradley
Y 940.54 Bra
Anonymous reviewer
 
It was a story of how six ordinary men became some of the great WWII men by raising the American flag over Iwo Jima.  About their stories of how they got to that great moment.
 
 
 
*The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Directed by Andrew Adamson
Rated PG
Reviewed by Chip
 
Full of adventure, betrayal, and action.  The characters were well done.  I really recommend it.
 
 
 
Mattimeo
by Brian Jacques
YF Jac
Reviewed by Chip
 
It was full of adventure, and I just loved it.  This is about the bond of thather (Matthias) and son (Mattimeo).  It has become my favorite and I hope it will become yours, too.
 
 
 
*UP
from Disney/Pixar
Rated PG
Reviewed by Annie
 
UP is a very clever movie!  It has a great variety, some action, some drama, and LOTS of funny!  It seems like Russell, the overly-optimistic 8-year-old, was just what grumpy, old, widowed Carl needed in his life!
 
 
 
Naruto Vol. 1
by Masashi Kishimoto
YPB Kis
Reviewed by Annie
 
It moved a little too fast.  The illustrations had too much detail, making it hard to depict the picture.  It was a different kind of plot than I have ever read before, but I did like it.
 
 
 
Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging
by Louise Rennison
YF Ren
Reviewed by Meg
 
Very realistic and funny.  Georgia Nicholson's confessions are just like ons that ALL girls think.  What's even more funy is that she lives in England!
 
 
 
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
by J. K. Rowling
YF Row
Reviewed by Emily M.
 
It was cute and I enjoyed reading it, but it lacked depth and the characters always seemed to find ways to break the rules.  Hoever, I loved Hermione, the book worm, and her loyalty to her friends.
 
 
 
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
by J. K. Rowling
YF Row
Reviewed by Emily M.
 
The book has about a 200 page introduction and then packs a whole lot of plot into the rest of the book, but it still managed to captivate my interest the whole way through.
 
 
 
A Game of Thrones
by George R.R. Martin
F Mar
Reviewed Emily M.
 
Martin is not afraid to break the rules by killing off main characters or by letting evil triumph at times.  This book does not fall into any stereotype and will hold you captivated the whole time you are reading it.
 
 
 
A Clash of Kings
by George R.R. Martin
F Mar
Reviewed by Emily M.
 
I love the honor and nobility of the Starks and their courage against the Lannisters.  It is interesting that the book is written from both points of view, making it possible for you to love and hate a character at the same time.
 
 
Sea Monkey Summer
by Cheryl Ware
YF War
Reviewed by Kaity
 
I feel this deserves 5 stars because honestly, I loved it.  I thought it was cute and funny the whole time.  Never once did I get bored with it.  Plus, I really liked the unique letter writing style.
 

 
Emily G. found these books very interesting and gave them 5 stars:
 
Feed
by M.T. Anderson
YF And
 
Maximum Ride: The Final Warning
by James Patterson
YF Pat
 
Project X
by Jim Shepard
YPB She
 
Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac
by Gabrielle Zevin
YF Zev
 
The Missing Girl
by Norma Fox Mazer
YF Maz
 
The Afterlife
by Gary Soto
YF Sot
 
Rainbow Boys
by Alex Sanchez
YF San
 
But she didn't so much care for
Finder
by Emma Bull
YPB Fin
 
 
 
Ranger's Apprentice: The Sorcerer of the North
by John Flanagan
YF Fla
Reviewed by Emily M.
 
This book holds your interest by being unpredictable and dominated by lovable protagonists.  A light read, it is neither dirty nor horrifying, and for the most part keeps a clear distinction between right and wrong.  If you liked the first four books in the series, this one won't be a disappointment.
 
 
 
Warriors: Long Shadows
by Erin Hunter
YF Hun
Reviewed by Emily M.
 
I enjoyed this book because of the fact that you don't always understand everything and the almost cliffhanger ending.  It was better than the book before because it finally began to address the questions it brought up in the first books in the Power of Three series, although the answers only bring up more questions.
 
 
 
Fear Street: The Wrong Number
by R.L. Stine
YPB Sti
Reviewed by Anthony
 
I love a good scary book.  I like the author's line of books, also.
 
 
Fear Street: Silent Night
by R. L. Stine
YPB Sti
Reviewed by Anthony
 
It was an ok book, but if you're looking for a better book, try The Wrong Number.
 
 
 
*Fearless
album by Taylor Swift
Reviewed by Kaity 

5 stars!  I love Taylor Swift's music and country songs.  She is brobably my favorite music artist.  And most of the songs are even better than her first album.  I really loved this CD.
 
*Fearless
also reviewed by Holland
 
I just loved Fearless!  I think Taylor Swift had an amazing combination of her voice and the music.  I look forward to listening to her next album.


The Book of Manners for Today's Teens
by Gloria Franklin
Y 395.1 Fra
Reviewed by Kaity

This really was a great book.  Gloria did an amazing job writing it, and you almost forgot you were learning your manners.  This book taught everything from how to dress to how to walk into church and I really enjoyed it.


Girls Against Girls
by Bonnie Burton
Y 305.235 Bur
Reviewed by Kaity

3 stars.  I feel this way because nonfiction books just really aren't my thing.  I like hearing stories.  But on the bright side, I did learn a lot and the author really did do a good job.


City of Bones
by Cassandra Clare
YF Cla
Reviewed by Garrett W.

This is a fantastic book!  As a big fan of the Harry Potter and Septimus Heap series, this book was really quite good. :)  Filled with wonders, adventure, and of course, love, this is a unique and captivating story.  It is the first of the trilogy.  5 stars!


City of Ashes
by Cassandra Clare
YF Cla
Reviewed by Garrett W.

The second book of this exciting trilogy once again captivates and enthralls even the least of adventure readers.  I highly recommend that the typical reader pic this up!  5 stars!


*Beauty from Pain
album by Superchick
Reviewed by Shoni

Superchick is one of my favorite groups, mainly because their songs are kinda uplifting and more upbeat rock.  I think I like every single song on this CD.  Yes, they are more of a Christian group, but they still have amazing lyrics and sound.  I wouldn't exactly suggest listing to this CD to a guy, (you can tell from some of the song title) but they could still enjoy it. :)  Superchick is the kind of music you can listen to at all times.  It comes in handy when you're bored or trying to block out the outside world.  
Songs on CD:
1.  Anthem
2. Pure
3. Bowling Ball
4. We Live
5. One Girl Revolution
6. Wishes
7. Stand in the Rain
8. Courage
9. It's On
10. Suddenly
11. Beauty from Pain


Haunted Houses
by Stuart A. Kallen
Y 133.1 Kal
Reviewed by Elizabeth

It was exciting, but it went against some of my beliefs


Jim the Boy
by Tony Earley
YPB Ear
Reviewed by Elizabeth

I enjoyed the overall story, but some of the separate parts were a little more dull.  Simple enough to be fun.


My Side of the Mountain
by Jean Craighead George
YPB Geo
Reviewed by Elizabeth

I loved the story of wilderness survival; I always have enjoyed learning about the outdoors.  But I didn't like the ending.


*Hook
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Starring Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, and Julia Roberts
Rated PG
Reviewed by Elizabeth

I loved the setup of it, all the battles and a mix of humor.  I don't give it five stars because I could have related better if he [Peter] was a child.


Poems for the People
by Carl Sandburg
808.8 S
Reviewed by Elizabeth

I have never been a fan of poetry, but I did enjoy "Images and Colors" chapter.


How Things Work
by John Langone
J 620 T
Reviewed by Elizabeth

This only gets three stars, because some of the text was hard to understand.  But it was very interesting.  I learned a lot.


Endless Steppe 
by Esther Hautzig
YPB Hau
Reviewed by Elizabeth

A very interesting book.  I usually don't enjoy biographies, but this one caught my eye.  She is a brave, spirited girl who will do anything.


*Center Stage
album by Chris Golden
Reviewed by Elizabeth

The music makes you want to sing along.  His voice is very smooth, and you will find yourself tapping your toes to the beat.  See chrisgolden.net.


Twice Taken
by Susan Beth Pfeffer
YPB Pfe
Reviewed by Courtney
 
I just read a fantastic book.  It was called Twice Taken by Susan Beth Pfeffer, and author whose books I have never read until now.  I would give this book a seven out of ten.  It had a lot of good details and it didn't bore me to death.  The thrill of it was amazing.  I enjoyed this book greatly.
 
 
 
*The Forbidden Kingdom

Directed by Rob Minkoff

Starring Jet Li and Jackie Chan

Rated PG-13 for violence

Reviewed by Courtney

 

Last night I watched an interesting movie called The Forbidden Kingdom.  It consisted of LOTS of action and some foul language but for the most part was a good movie.  I would recommend this movie to people who enjoy action with lots of karate and old legends.  I give the movie a six. :)

 

 
 

Twilight (also considered fantasy or horror by some)

by Stephenie Meyer

YF Mey

Reviewed by Cate

 

Twilight is a great book.  It made the words jump off the page with the action and romance.  Everyone loves a good romance novel.

 

 

City of Ember

by Jeanne DuPrau

YF D

Reviewed by Yenny

 

Filled with excitement, discovery, and adventure, The City of Ember is one of the best books I have ever read.  It is a story about two children who find their way out of an underground city and it immediately caught my attention.  Lina Mayfleet is a girl who has always wanted to be a messenger, and Doon Harrow thinks he knows how to fix the generator, which is the city's only source of light.  On assignment day, Lina draws the dreaded job of a Pipeworks worker and Doon draws a messenger.  Doon asks Lina to trade because the generator is located in the Pipeworks, and Doon wants to help fix it.  After discovering a mysterious box with clues of how to escape Ember, Doon, Lina, and Lina's little sister Poppy go on a great adventure to the real world.  One of the reasons why I really love this book is because it has a great message.  Never give up.  When Lina and Doon discovered the terrible truth about the mayor, they tried to tell the guards, but they wouldn't listen.  When Lina discovered the secret box, nobody but Doon cared.  I think people in real life should do what Doon and Lina did and never give up.  The persevered and they accomplished so much.  I would recommend this book to anybody I meet.

 

*Angels and Demons

Directed by Ron Howard

Starring: Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer, and  Stellan Skarsgaard

Rated PG-13

Reviewed by Haley

 

  Wow, this movie sure does keep you awake!! This movie in my own opinion is a fast-paced thrill ride, and much of an improvement to the latest Dan Brown adaption. But, the story-line is often implausible and at some points just ridiculous. However, the movie was exceptionally fantastic and I have just fallen in love with some of Dan Brown's pieces of work. Although, I loved The Davinci Code, the plot was much too perplex and the synopsis wasn't quite as remarkable as Angels and Demons. Well, if you're a fan of Tom Hanks or Ewan McGregor and/or if you just like the thrill, suspense, and adventure of this outstandingly directed movie, THEN GO SEE IT NOW(in theatres)!!!!!

 

 

A Walk to Remember

by Nicholas Sparks

YF Spa

Reviewed by Haley

 

Well, there seriously is wayyyyyy too much to note about this book, and I won't phrase this right, but I think you'll get the plot and synopsis of it.

Yet here is another good book by the outstanding author, Nicholas Sparks.  If you want to cry, then read this book.  If you've read this book and don't cry, go buy a heart!  This is a very close second to The Notebook.  An incredible love story like no other.  Sparks brings you into the lives of Landon Carter and Jamie Sullivan, and has you rooting on with every turn of the page.  If you are a Nicholas Sparks fan, or are looking to become a fan, I would suggest starting with this one.

 

 

*Metamorphosis

Album by Papa Roach

Reviewed by Haley

 

This has to be the most amazing CD ever!! (well, there way more I like, but this one really tops it) With Jacoby Shaddix's amazing voice and Jerry Horton's outrageous guitar skills makes this an awesome album to review! There's almost too much to say about it. If I had to recommend a certain song off this album, it would be without doubt "lifeline"!!!! Most people think its just a punk-rock band but it is wayyyy more than that!

 

Here are songs featured on the album:

1)days or war

2)change or die

3)holly wood *****

4)i almost told you i love you

5)lifeline

6)had enough

7)live this down

8)march out of the darkness

9)into the light

10)carry me

11)nights of love

12)state of emergency

 

 

Message In A Bottle

by Nicholas Sparks

F Spa

Reviewed by Haley

 

  I absolutely loved this book! After reading it like 5 times, I had cried so many times that my eyes were starting to almost swell. It also made me realize that it’s okay to move on. Once you start reading this book, you can't possibly put it down. My favorite thing about the book is how he made the two characters meet, and how they unpredictably fall in love with each other. I am naturally a big fan of love stories, and I've got to say, this is the best yet! I have encouraged many people to read his book, and many have been touched, as was I. So, Nicholas Sparks, great job on your books!!!

 

 

Evermore

by Alyson Noel

YF Noe

Reviewed by Haley

 

  Well, there is way too much to say about this book! I finished reading it about it two months ago and I absolutely adore it! After a horrible car crash claims the lives of her mother, father, sister, and dog, Ever Bloom then realizes the powers she's been granted with and begins to think of them as a mistake, but then sees they're what bring her to what she is today. In the middle of all of this she is trying to bring about a teenage lifestyle, but is soon labeled as a freak, until the day Damen Aguste shows up at her new high school and flips her world upside down.....Damen is completely, beyond gorgeous and has a tendency to "magically" appear with roses at hand (but only red tulips for Ever, the meaning of red tulips is undying love) But, she figures out her undying love for Damen soon after they meet (and sooner than the length of her life time). And pretty much all she is left with is questions and hardly any answers to support them. If you are at all interested in this book at all, THEN CHECK IT OUT IN THE YOUTH SECTION!!!

 

 

 

*Josh Groban

Album by Josh Groban

Reviewed by Garrett

 

Ever heard of Andrea Bocceli?  Fantastic music for a relaxing afternoon, right?  This guy is a fantastic vocalist and a great guy (not that I know him personally or anything). 

 

Songs ranging from English pop to French pop music, all the way to classical Italian music, this CD album (one of many) includes "To Where You Are," "The Prayer," "Alla Luce Del Sole," and ten others.  Other albums include Awake, Live at the Greek, and Closer.

 

 

Someone Like You

by Sarah Dessen

YF Des

Reviewed by Ava

 

This story is told from the perspective of Halley, a sixteen year old girl, about her life during her junior year of high school.  One minute, everybody's happy, her best friend Scarlett is totally in love with Michael Sherwood, and she's at "Camp Believe."  Then Scarlett calls her, crying about the death of this boy, who Halley didn't know that well to begin with.  Then her life begins to turn into something different...and she becomes Scarlett's support with the arrival of a baby.

 

I really liked this book for a couple of reasons, including that it wasn't sugar coated, but the ending was happy anyway.  It wasn't hard to read, because some other books make the writing so complicated that you can only guess about what's actually going on.  Dessen did a wonderful job telling the story of a girl who is having deal with her constantly changing life, which just got more crazy than she was prepared for. 

 

This book made me laugh out loud more than once and think really hard about relationships.  What would you want for yourself?

 

 

Warriors: Eclipse

by Erin Hunter

YF Hun

Reviewed by Emily

 

Although I enjoyed the book and it was easy to read, the author seemed to be trying to make a point about religion, which I though was unneccessary.  These books should not venture into the world of philosophy because they don't belong there.

 

 

 

Maus I -- A Survivor's Tale

by Art Spiegelman

741.5 Spi

Reviewed by Emily

 

This book tells of the atrocities of the holocaust in a way that does not belittle the sufferings of the Jews but also is not unneccessarily graphic.  Although the characters are not drawn as human, you quickly become attached and grieve for each one.

 

 

 

 

The Hiding Place

by Corrie ten Boom

B T

Reviewed by Garrett

 

When I, as an avid teen reader, see books that I have to read for school, generally I don't jump up and down for them: this is one I did!

 

Set in the Holocaust and pre-WWII times, come the lives of a spinster and her sister, Hollanders, both around the age of fifty.  In this single, easy read, one hundred page novel comes a story of faith, will-power, and determination.

 

Corrie and Betsie are two different and very close sisters who both are devout Christians.

 

I truly recommend this book for interested readers for the Holocaust, readers that might have a Christian faith, or someone in need of a book.

 

 

 

* Sweeney Todd: Demon Barber of Fleet Street

directed by Tim Burton

Starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter

Rated R

Reviewed by Mackenzie

 

  Okay I have to say this is definitely the best movie ever. I mean who doesn’t like people who seem like they need anger management classes and people being killed. Well anyone who is faint hearted should definitely NOT watch this movie. I would suggest you watch this at least twice because you might be hiding your face the first time if you don’t like the sight of blood. Johnny Depp is in this movie so just wanted to say if there are any fans of him out there, watch this movie. This is a musical so just to let some people know there is singing, but Johnny Depp is surprisingly really good at it. It’s also a love story but nothing too bad. So yeah people being killed, anger, and blood. Turns out to be a good combination.

 

 

 

Abarat: Days of Magic Nights of War

by Clive Barker

F Bar

Reviewed by Christina

 

This book, I feel, is an exceptional piece of work, a treasure in the vast collection. Written in loving detail, Clive Barker portrays the strange adventures of Candy Quackenbushin the Abarat, a strange archipelago where the twenty five islands are each an hour of the day. Candy, a supposedly average girl with a not so average future laid before her, tries to overcome the war brewing between the forces of the Night, the elusive Carrion Family, and the Day. The Carrion family plots to bring about an Absolute Midnight to the islands, but the horrifying yet thoughtful Prince Christopher Carrion seems to find an odd familiarity with the strange newcomer. Can Candy elude Carrion’s forces trying to capture her or will she fall prey to their tricks? Can she prevent the Absolute Midnight from falling and in turn, the terrible Requiax from rising from the Sea of Isabella? Read it and find out. Geeze, I can’t give you all the answers.

 

 

The Name of the Wind

by Patrick Rothfuss

F Ros

Reviewed by Hannah

 

Winner of the Quill Award, this is an amazing book and an awesome start to a trilogy.  The world created in The Name of the Wind has received comparisons to the greatness of Tolkien's Middle Earth. (Yet, no one claims that the book is not completely original.)  The characters are insightful and realistic, and the plot is brilliant.  Not necessarily "teen" fiction (housed with the adult fiction), but the lead character Kvothe (pronounced like 'Quothe') defintely is easily relateable for teenagers, and a fantastic and easy read for anyone in high school.  It is, by far, the best fantasy book written in the past five years.           


Any summary would fail to do the book justice, so my advice would be to go find the book and read it--or at least look up The Name of the Wind to learn more about it.

(and Patrick Rothfuss's blog is, often, quite witty and insightful: 
http://www.patrickrothfuss.com/blog/blog.html)

 

 

 

 

Chobits Vol. 1

by CLAMP

not in the library

Reviewed by Caleb

 

Chobits was not a sci-fi manga like I expected, but a comedy and a drama as well. In the future, people live with androids called Persocoms. Hideki, our main protagonist finds a finds a Persocom in the trash, takes her home, and reboots her. It turns out all she can say is “chi,” so Hideki names her Chi. This book is about teaching and living with a Persocom, who may be a “Chobit,” a legendary computer. Funny, but for older teenagers and up. Four stars

 

 

 

Dragon Ball (All of them!)

by Akira Toriyama

YPB Tor

Reviewed by Bailey

 

                Dragon Ball, although it’s been too long to remember the actual anime, I’m presently reading on the manga. Which is absolutely amazing! Who couldn’t resist a main character with a monkey tail and absolutely no real education? Not me!

                With all of its perverted references so quietly slipped in, along with a lot of nutty-ness. Don’t forget the awesome crazy ninja skills too! All the violence and cuties mixed into one series to create a story that attracts both ends of the chromosomes scale, I think. I mean if I love it shouldn’t you… ok, maybe not but still, it’s Dragon Ball!

                I mean sure, watching a whole bunch of men look constipated when they power is kinda’ odd… (Sweat Drop) … but come on! Monkeys! Martial arts! Perverted old senseis! Monkeys! Genius crazy technology! Hot dudes, even hot chicks! MONKEYS!  (Nervous Laugh) yay….

                Also if you’re a big sci-fi, alien fiend, well, Dragon Ball has ‘em! Aliens that is. And hot ones too, that is a few hot ones. There’s a big dragon also, hint hint dragon balls. And can you help but say dragon balls (Cough Cough) and giggle gleefully like a two year old, and it’s still ok! (Tee-Hee) Yes, sadly enough the series has a few characters you wanna slap, and those few other characters you wanna murder and stow away in your closet.

                But the series is over all good! The first one, the original Dragon Ball, is a little cheeky  and childish, but over all fun. Dragon Ball Z is more for teens with its excessive fighting and the awesome ongoing violence! (Woot! Violence, Yay To The Violence!) Then  Dragon Ball GT, well I don’t even know, but it has to be awesome.  And one most of you may not of heard of Dragon Ball: Yo! But you get to meet a distant long lost relative of one of the most unlike. Vegeta’s younger brother! (Oooooo!) But yea……  You will likey….. Or else! (Mwahahaha)  

Fin!

 

Diary of an Anorexic Girl

by Morgan Menzie

YPB Men

Reviewed by Christina

 

I think it would be great to see the book Diary of an Anorexic Girl in the library. It was definately a very good read and I was inspired when I read it. It truly was a treasure. In fact, I'm reading it again! 

 

 

 The Vampire Lestat

by Anne Rice

F Ric

Reviewed by Kathy

            This classic novel is one of the best written and page turning book I’ve read in years. This book is amazing because the author has a unique way of making you fall into her world and delve into the mind and emotions of her characters. This book forces you to change your opinion of a certain character or group though out her series.

 

*Repo! The Genetic Opera

directed by Darren Lynn Bousman

Starring Alexa Vega

Rated R

Reviewed by Kathy

            This new rock opera is an edgy and addictive type of musical. Its storyline and character development is fast-paced and truly original. The songs are the ones you can’t get out of your head until you’ve watched the whole opera twice. Not for those with a weak stomach of all music and bare minimum dialog.

 

*HOUSE

Fox Network

Starring Hugh Laurie and Robert Sean Leonard

Reviewed by Kathy

            The originality of this seemingly over used storyline is refreshing for our time. Not with the usually soap operas you see on the other channels. With the twin brother lovers and baby momma’s daddy crisis. Nor is it a “tween” Disney channel garbage they show. The main character is a handicapped doctor with a legendary ability to tell the most unusual or rare disease. The difference is his attitude towards the hospital and his co- workers. His director is his ex-wife and he mocks anyone he deems worthy of his wit.

 

*Pretty.  Odd.

Album by Panic

Reviewed by Kathy

            This CD is worth everyone’s attention and respect. With Brandon Erie’s confusing and highly addictive lyrics, this is Panic’s best record to date. Their unique and diverse style of music is not our average techno- pop one would find on the radio station. They do have one song on the air from this CD, it’s called “Nine in the Afternoon”. Their music video is classic and colorful and fun just like the song. They have other music videos on YouTube, such as “That Green Gentlemen”, and “Hey moon”. Both are worth taking a look at and listen to.

 

 

 

13 Reasons Why

by Jay Asher

YF Ash

Recommended by Kayla 

 

Book Summary:  When high school student Clay Jenkins receives a box in the mail containing thirteen cassette tapes recorded by his classmate Hannah, who committed suicide, he spends a bewildering an heartbreaking night crisscrossing their town, listening to Hannah's voice recounting the events leading up to her death. 

 

 

 *Taken

directed by Pierre Morel

Starring Liam Neeson and Famke Janssen

Rated PG-13

Reviewed by Jessica

 

Taken is a movie about a man who is very overprotective of his daughter.  He had gotten a divorce from the mother of his daughter. She lived with the mother.  The mother wasn’t very protective. She believed that since she is 16, she shouldn’t have to go by all of the rules. The new stepdad spoiled his stepdaughter. She even got a pony for her birthday.  Eventually she asks her dad if she can go to Paris with her friend. He says no at first, but then changes his mind. When she got to the airport, she went with her friend (Amanda) to the plane. When they got off the plane they met a boy who took their picture and took a cab with them. When they got to the house the dad called. She got on the phone with him and went to someplace quiet (since the music was really loud).  Amanda was taken and they came and got the daughter.  After that it is mostly fighting, blood, guns, drugs, stolen girls, and perverted men.  I like this type of suspense, and if you like action/horror movies you should definitely watch this movie! You will definitely enjoy this movie!!!!

                              

The Outsiders

by S. E. Hinton

YPB Hin

Reviewed by Sarah

The Outsiders is an amazing book, in my opinion, for someone that can relate to a character stuck in a social struggle between the popular kids, better known as the socs, and the poor troublemakers, the greasers. Ponyboy Curtis’s, the main character, adventure begins after being jumped by a group of socs and his friends, as always, are there to back him up. After deciding to accompany bad-boy friend, Dallas Winston, and best friend, Johnny Cade, to the drive-in movie theatre, he stumbles across Sherri ‘Cherry’ Valance. Some would call her the romantic interest, but it turns out that she is the girlfriend of Bob Sheldon. A boy that beat up Johnny Cade and has been asking for a beating from the greasers ever since. Later that night, Ponyboy gets into a terrible argument with his older brother, Darry, and winds up planning to run away with Johnny. They take refuge in the park until Bob Sheldon and his friends come across them and decide to teach the greasers a lesson for flirting with their girlfriends. After a desperate struggle between Ponyboy and the rest of them, Johnny makes a courageous act to save his friends and winds up killing Bob.

The boys are left to run away and go through, not only a journey, of self discovery, but trying to learn the difference between socs and greasers. This book has gotten me through many hard years of my own personal struggles with the antagonizing stresses of social cliques and recommend this book to anyone suffering from the same problem. Even if you’re just looking for a good read, this book is guaranteed to leave you wanting more of S.E. Hinton’s hard-hitting writing.

 

 

*Candy

Directed by Neil Armfield

Starring Heath Ledger and Abbie Cornish

Rated R

Reviewed by Sarah

Once upon a time, there was Candy and Dan . . . Candy is the story of a poet and a painter who come together and fall for one another. Of course, every love story has a tragic twist to it, right? This one entails the addiction to heroin. Everyone knows how sinister this drug is and how addictive the poison is. Candy and Dan go through three points in their lives, Heaven, earth, and hell. While watching the movie, once I reached the end of the ‘Earth’ segment, I was devastated, but anxious to see what awaited the passionate couple. Heaven is the view of what drug addicts settle for their form of a sanctuary. Living the dream together in love. Even that is a stretch for the normal working class individual. Earth is, of course, the beginning of the down-ward spiral as Candy becomes pregnant and attempts to go clean in order to save the child’s life. Earth was probably the most moving segment in the entire movie. There was one point where I had to pause the movie and I cried for twenty minutes straight. Hell is the final chapter of Candy and Dan’s story and the worst of it all. Be sure to bring plenty of tissues with you and keep your mind open for the moving and intimate performance of late actor, Heath Ledger.

This is, by far, his greatest movie ( in my opinion ) of all time. For those of you who have seen Brokeback Mountain, I promise that this one will move you further and further into the character’s lives and their struggles.

 

*Freaks and Geeks

available on DVD

Reviewed by Sarah

Lindsay Weir is an average girl with an unusual craving to fit in with a new crowd. Breaking free of her good-girl, brainiac, reputation, she decides to join a group of kids at school most call the Freaks. The burnouts, the rockers, and the ones that no one would mess with if they knew what was good for them. Lindsay experiences normal high school tribulations such as helping her freak friend cheat on a test, getting her first boyfriend, and discovering that the world is much different from outside of her mathlete-sheltered world. Definitely the greatest t.v. show if you’re looking for comedy with certain dramatic twists. If you can’t relate to one of the freaks or Lindsay, you can always turn to the other aspect of the show that focuses on Lindsay’s younger brother, Sam Weir. Who is starting his first year in high school with his two best friends, Bill and Neil. Awkward and burning with a desire to see every Bill Murray and Steve Martin movie that comes out, this is also their story of trying to grow up in the world of obsessing over the Bionic Woman, Star Wars, and surviving high school without getting slaughtered by the school bully. Or bullies in some cases.

Freaks and Geeks only lasted one season, but it was worth me waiting for months and months and paying forty bucks at a used CD store to attain this phenomenal series. Judd Apatow’s finest creation in my opinion and I recommend everyone else to get a hold of this hysterical sitcom.

 

*3:10 to Yuma

directed by James Mangold

Starring Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Logan Lerman, and Ben Foster

Rated R for language and graphic violence

Reviewed by Sharon

 

I've been trying to think of a way to review this movie in a way that will sufficiently tell you how great it is.  I don't think my words will do it justice, but here goes.

 

The time is the late 1860s.  The place is a drought-ravaged Arizona town with hopes that the railroad will at last bring prosperity.  The men to watch are Dan Evans and Ben Wade.  Dan is a Civil War veteran, a one-legged rancher who is struggling to keep his herd alive and his family fed on land that his landlord wants to sell to the railroad.  As he says, he's been "standing on one leg for three years waiting for God to do [him] a favor.  And He ain't listening."  Ben Wade is a feared outlaw, the leader of an outfit he himself likens to animals.  They are as dissimilar as they can be: one, a man losing the respect of his wife and son William, the other, a charmer, a killer, and a man who forces respect.  But when Wade makes a mistake and is captured in Dan's town, these two men will go head to head, both literally and metaphorically, as Wade is an expert at getting under people's skin.  Their journey to catch the 3:10 train to Yuma prison is an epic of courage, redemption, and a lesson on how to be a man.

 

The cast is absolutely amazing.  Pay particular attention to Christian Bale as Dan (he's as tragic a hero as they come), Russell Crowe as Ben Wade (consumate bad man with something that might pass for good buried deep inside), Logan Lerman as William (a son caught between the admiration of Wade's legend and the growing respect for the simple dignity of his father), and Ben Foster (the very definition of psychotic as Charlie Prince, Wade's right hand man).  Bale, Crowe, and Foster should have been up for acting Oscars, in my opinion.  I'm not one for hyperbole, but 3:10 to Yuma is absolutely on my "you must see it" list -- that is, of course, if you're of age, or if your parents say it's okay.

 

For more of Sharon's reviews, check out "Sharon's Bookshelf" at http://sharonsbookshelf-sharon.blogspot.com/.