BOOK NOOK
Scythe: An Exploration of Human Psyche
By Philip Lee
Would you want to be immortal by living for eternity without hardships or torment? If given the choice, would you rather face nature's wrath or the perfect killing machine: a scythe? In the world of Scythe by Neal Shusterman, there is no choice. All natural death has been eliminated, leaving scythes as the sole dealers of death.
The story of Scythe goes as such: Citra and Rowan become Faraday's apprentices, competing to become a scythe. On their journey to scythehood, they become entangled in the civil war of the new order's lavish lifestyle versus the old guard's traditional ways. During the first chapter, when Honorable Scythe Faraday enters the room, Citra thinks, "A scythe, Citra knew, could choose the color of his or her robe— every color except for black, for it was considered inappropriate for their job. Black was an absence of light, and scythes were the opposite. Luminous and enlightened, they were acknowledged as the best of humanity.” To everyone, a scythe and those wearing a robe are regarded as the best of humanity. Later, this line is juxtaposed with the new order's acts, which do not represent the best of humanity.
Babbitt's Tuck Everlasting could be compared to Shusterman's Scythe since both explore immortality. On closer inspection, however, one can see they're not similar. While Tuck Everlasting explores the value of mortal life, Scythe explores the complacency of immortality, with lines such as, "'What do you think our conversation would have been like had I brought you to the post-mortality galleries instead of these older ones?'… 'How about uninspired?' prompted the Scythe." Scythe explores the unventured depths of immortality rather than using eternal life as a guide to understand mortality.
Scythe has been awarded the Michael L. Printz Award, more commonly known as the Printz Award, an annual literary award for the best teen book. The reason for the award is well-deserved, which is why Scythe is a well-worth read.
The Woman Who Changed the World
By Teja Wolfe
Can you imagine how hard it would be for a woman in the 1960's? Bonnie Garmus wrote Lessons in Chemistry for that very reason. This was the first book she wrote, and it has taken the world by storm. "Children set the table; your mother needs a moment to herself." Anyone who has read this book will know the importance of this quote.
Lessons in Chemistry is about a woman named Elizabeth Zott. She wants to be a chemist, and as a woman in the 1960s, that can be very challenging. She works in a research laboratory with her mind set on studying abiogenesis, but everyone underestimates and disrespects her. Through the twists and turns of her life, Zott ends up a single mom and a cooking show host for Supper at Six. Elizabeth Zott tries to break the status quo on TV, and her story shows how she makes her dishes represent that. This book is impressive and entertaining. I love how Zott always speaks her mind and never lets social norms tell her how to act. Sometimes, when she speaks her mind, I cannot help but laugh out loud at the personality and wit of each comment. This is unlike any book that I have read. The characters are very original, and I love how Zott narrates some chapters. Each character, no matter how small or big of a part in the book, gets a well-deserved ending. I find the ending very satisfying, and I could not imagine it any other way.
The New York Times says that Lessons in Chemistry is the #1 best seller, and the Guardian called it the book of the year. The Washington Post said, "A unique heroine… You find yourself wishing she was not fictional". Also, The New York Times Book Reviews wrote, "Irresistible, satisfying, and full of fuel. It reminds you that change takes time and always requires heat". Lessons in Chemistry has made such an impact on the world that it is being made into a TV show, being released on October 13th. Lessons in Chemistry have impacted the world with their powerful ideas.
Overall, Lessons in Chemistry is a perfect book for anyone who likes changing the status quo, breaking barriers, and a small amount of romance mixed in.
Is Thunderhead a Worthwhile Sequel?
By Philip Lee
Currently, true AI is nothing but a fever dream since accurate artificial intelligence does not exist yet. What if it was accurate? What if AI took over the entire world and improved the lives of humans?
In the Arc of a Scythe trilogy Thunderhead, an AI named Thunderhead has taken over all of humanity. It abolished government, stored all it could of the past and present, and became the servant of all humanity.
As the sequel to Scythe, this book follows Citra Terranova, now Scythe Anastasia, and Rowan Damisch, now Scythe Lucifer, in their efforts to navigate their new lives. It also introduces Greyson Tolliver, a Nimbus agent who becomes an undesirable based on a decision he makes. It also follows Scythe Faraday, who faked his death, and Munira Atrushi, a failed scythe apprentice. Later in the book, it also follows the revived Scythe Goddard, who was a scythe without scruples and a desire to kill others for fun.
All groups, save for Goddard, are attempting to save the scythedom. Faraday, by finding Prometheus’s failsafe, Anastasia and Marie working from the inside out, and Lucifer from outside the commandments. All this culminates in Goddard becoming High Blade, Endura sinking, and Anastasia and Rowan at the bottom of the sea.
Sequels often need to be better made and received. Thunderhead doesn’t fall for this trap. Thunderhead takes all that Scythe did well and adds even more. Even journal entries stayed but as Thunderhead ramblings rather than scythes.
The Arc of a Scythe trilogy has won many awards, like the Printz award for Scythe and Alexandria awards for the series. Being a trilogy, there are three books in the series. If you want a book for school or to read in person, try picking up the Arc of a Scythe trilogy.
Lessons on Life and Love: Tuesdays With Morrie
By Beaudy Sipser
Tuesdays with Morrie is a heartwarming and thought-provoking book written by Mitch Albom. It is a true story about the author's former college professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and the lessons he imparts to Albom during their weekly meetings. This book has touched the hearts of millions of readers and has become a staple in many classrooms. In this article, we will explore the lessons on life and love that can be learned from "Tuesdays with Morrie."
#1: The Importance of Relationships
One of the main themes of "Tuesdays with Morrie" is the importance of relationships. Morrie emphasizes the need for human connection and how it can bring meaning and fulfillment to our lives. He says, "The most important thing in life is to learn to give out love and to let it come in." This lesson is a reminder to prioritize our relationships and to cherish the people in our lives.
#2: The Power of Forgiveness
Morrie also teaches Albom about the power of forgiveness. He shares his experience of forgiving his father for not being there for him when he needed him the most. Morrie says, "Forgive yourself before you die. Then forgive others." This lesson reminds us that holding onto grudges and anger only weighs us down and that forgiveness is a powerful tool for healing and moving forward.
#3: The Value of Time
As Morrie's health deteriorates, he becomes acutely aware of the value of time. He says, "Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live." This lesson is a reminder to not take our time for granted and to make the most out of every moment. Morrie encourages Albom to live in the present and not to get caught up in the past or future.
#4: The Importance of Self-Reflection
Throughout the book, Morrie encourages Albom to reflect on his life and to ask himself important questions. He says, "The truth is, once you learn how to die, you learn how to live." This lesson teaches us the importance of self-reflection and how it can help us understand ourselves better and make positive changes in our lives.
#5: The Power of Love
Morrie's love for life and others is evident throughout the book. He teaches Albom that love is the most essential thing in life and connects us all. Many quotes throughout the book remind us that love is a powerful force that can transcend time and space.
Tuesdays with Morrie is a beautiful and inspiring book that teaches us necessary lessons on life and love. It reminds us to cherish our relationships, forgive others and ourselves, value our time, reflect on our lives, and always choose love. If you have not read this book yet, I highly recommend it, as it teaches readers valuable lessons that I never realized I needed.