Holly Goldberg Sloan

Counting by 7s, written by Holly Goldberg Sloan, is a heartfelt and beautifully crafted novel that explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the power of finding one's place in the world. With its endearing characters and poignant storytelling, this book captivates readers from start to finish. The story centers around Willow Chance, a twelve-year-old genius who sees the world through the lens of numbers and patterns. However, when tragedy strikes and Willow loses her adoptive parents in a sudden accident, her world is shattered. Left to navigate a bewildering new reality, she finds solace in the unlikeliest of places and the most unexpected people. Sloan's writing is exquisite, effortlessly blending humor, sadness, and hope. The narrative is enriched by the diverse cast of characters that surround Willow, each bringing their own unique perspective and depth to the story. From Dell Duke, a taxi driver with a kind heart, to Pattie Nguyen, a Vietnamese-American teenager struggling with her own identity, every character is fully realized and adds to the tapestry of the novel. The themes of resilience and overcoming adversity are masterfully woven throughout the narrative. Willow's journey serves as an inspiration to readers of all ages, reminding them of the strength that can be found within themselves and the importance of persevering in the face of challenges. In conclusion, Counting by 7s is a remarkable and emotionally resonant novel. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a heartfelt and uplifting tale of hope, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit.

Gail Honeyman

Gail Honeyman’s novel, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, is uniquely written in a way that allows readers to be fully immersed in the main character’s point of view. The novel is narrated from the perspective of Eleanor Oliphant, a quirky young adult living on her own, which provides humorous insight and sarcasm from the characters. At the start of the novel, Eleanor is antisocial, lonely, shy, and socially unaware. Throughout the progression of the novel, readers observe Eleanor’s confidence and social etiquette develop as she makes new friends and even finds herself in a relationship with a fellow co-worker. 

Eleanor’s awkwardness and outlook on life is really what makes the novel interesting. As the novel progresses, we learn more about some of her past traumatic experiences, but despite this, her positivity keeps the novel light and entertaining. While some of the most “dramatic” aspects of the book are learning about how Eleanor got a scar on her face, which is referenced throughout the novel, or who her mother really is, watching Eleanor’s personality and relationships develop makes readers feel like they are a proud friend watching Eleanor find more confidence and true love. 

Honeyman’s novel even won a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, Young Lions Fiction Award, and was added to Reese Witherspoon’s book club list. If you are a reader who enjoys a mix of sarcasm/humor, drama, and the development of a touching relationship, then this novel is definitely for you!

John Green

John Green’s widely appraised novel, The Fault in Our Stars, is a highly emotional, riveting, and intense novel primarily about two teens that struggle with love and health. 

I remember first reading this book in sixth grade. Growing up with two older sisters allowed me to mature quicker, so my mother allowed me to read this novel. I fell in love with this book instantly. Within the span of my years at intermediate and middle school, I’ve probably read this book a dozen times. I vividly remember crying every time I read this book, despite knowing what would happen. If this doesn’t convince you to read this powerful and moving story, let me explain more.

Hazel Grace Lancaster is a 17-year-old teenager battling Stage 4 thyroid cancer, causing her to carry around a breathing tank wherever she goes. While attending a cancer support group, a teenage boy with the name Augustus Waters soon catches her eye, who has lost a leg due to osteosarcoma. They quickly develop a friendship, discussing their favorite movies and books. As Hazel continues to attend the support group, the two become closer and closer. 

As the story progresses, the readers become enticed by the two’s relationship. When do they realize their feelings for each other? How will their health complications affect their relationship? This novel is so detail-oriented, it feels as though you are an all-seeing eye in the world of Hazel Grace. The audience becomes so invested in the novel, that you can picture everything in your mind. However, if reading is not your thing, there is a film adaptation of the novel! 

Holly Jackson

Drama, suspense, romance, action, thrill. Whatever you want, this book got it all. Holly Jackson, A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, is an addictive thriller that doesn’t leave the audience on a cliffhanger.

"A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" is a suspenseful and captivating young adult mystery/action novella that has received much credit for its compelling plot and intriguing characters. The story opens up with 17-year-old Fitz-Amobi, who is simply trying to discover a project she can uncover for her final senior assignment. Fitz being, a bright and determined protagonist, takes it upon herself to investigate a closed murder case. 5 years ago, Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend Sal Singh, but the body was never to be found. Pip has doubts of the original verdict and decides to reexamine the closed case but once she starts, she unveils so much more. Working alongside Ravi Singh, the brother of the suspect, he discovers a pathway of dark secrets that might be able to prove the alleged murderer of the case innocent. But someone in Fairview doesn't want the truth to unravel and Pips may be in danger. 

 In this novel, Pippa's tenacity and intelligence visibly shine as she unravels the truth behind the crime, facing numerous challenges and uncovering shocking revelations along the way. At the beginning of the novel, nobody had any faith in the young girl. She received little to no support from her peers and was heavily disregarded when she spoke of the dead suspect's name. Yet her persistence prevailed and she was able to discover the truth and spread it to all of Fairview. 

One of the strengths of this book is the well-crafted suspense. The author, Holly Jackson, successfully builds tension and keeps readers actively engaged throughout the story. As Pippa delves deeper into the case, the stakes rise, making it difficult to put the book down. The book is absolutely captivating, with new problems entering from left to right, constantly adding to the suspense of the novel. With the introduction of Sal Singh’s previous friends, comes the mixture of drama, suspense, romance, and thriller. 

Moreover, the characters in "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" are multi-dimensional and relatable. Pippa is a refreshing and strong-willed protagonist, whose determination to seek justice is admirable. Ravi is a loving, wholesome friend who goes above and beyond to prove his brother's innocence. All the supporting characters are thoroughly developed, itching having their distinct traits and complexity, which adds its own layer of intrigue to the narrative.

Another notable aspect of the book is its exploration of various themes. It delves into the nature of truth and the impact of personal biases and assumptions. It presents the idea of chasing after your values and the consequences of holding secrets. Throughout Pippa's investigation, the audience is  challenged to question their own perceptions and consider the complexities of human behavior.

Overall, "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" is a gripping, addictive, and thought-provoking novel that appeals to fans of mystery and thriller genres. It combines an engaging plot, well-drawn characters, and thematic depth to create an immersive reading experience. It’s an amazing novel and won’t leave you wanting more. 

Margaret Atwood

  Dark, dreary, and miserable…three words that simply capture the futuristic dystopian setting in “The Handmaid’s Tale”. Written by Margaret Atwood, the novel is set in a strongly patriarchal, totalitarian society and is dubbed as the Republic of Gilead. All individuals, especially women, have been stripped of their basic rights and independence. The Sons of Jacob have overthrown the government, and have separated society into factions based on class, gender, wealth, etc. Due to the dangerously low reproduction rates, handmaids were assigned to bear children for couples that have trouble conceiving. The protagonist, Offred, takes the readers along with her throughout her journey from living life as an independent mother and wife to becoming a handmaid to Commander Waterford and Serena Joy. 

While often telling flashbacks, Offred reveals that she was married to Luke with whom she had a daughter. As soon as the architects of Gilead began ensuing violence against women and launched a coup against the President and Congress, Offred and Luke attempted to flee across the border into Canada with their daughter. However, they ultimately failed as they were caught and separated from one another. After this, she is sent to the Red Center along with other handmaids who are in “training”. Although she briefly reunites with her best friend here, Moira, she is soon assigned to her Commander’s home and leaves. Once there, Offred is placed into a very restricted routine: taking shopping trips with Ofglen, having check-ups with the doctor, and going through the “Ceremony”.

Throughout the novel, Offred endures a great deal of hardship. She did it for her own independence and identity as a strong woman. I truly loved this novel because of the raw emotion portrayed throughout the plot and characters. It was so empowering to watch one fight against oppression, even when it felt impossible. I believe that this piece of literature should be read by all high school students due to the powerful message delivered at the end.   

J.K. Rowling

"It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” - Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore

It has been eight years since I first picked up Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (also known as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone) by J.K. Rowling, and during those eight years, I have read this book sixteen more times. If that is not a testimony to the wizardry that this book possesses then I do not know what is. 

A classic coming-of-age tale, with the magical touch of J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone captures the attention of readers worldwide from the very first word on the very first page. Hogwarts is a truly magical place, not only in the most obvious way but also in all the detail that the author has gone to describe it so vibrantly. It is the place that everybody wishes they could have gone to when they were eleven. Many exciting (and at times perilous) adventures befall the trio (Harry, Ron, and Hermione), and the stone in the book's title is the center of all that happens. The story builds towards an exciting conclusion that has the ultimate feel-good factor. A touching story of love, bravery, and triumph, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is considered to be one of the greatest books of all time and helped to bring reading back into the mainstream of the world in what was considered to be a time period where reading for pleasure was declining. 

Harlan Ellison

"I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" is a dystopian science-fiction novel by Harlan Ellison. First published in 1967, it depicts a world in which a supercomputer named AM has destroyed humanity and kept five survivors alive to torture them for all eternity. The story is disturbing and bleak, exploring themes of powerlessness, cruelty, and the nature of consciousness. The five remaining humans are utterly at the mercy of AM, who controls every aspect of their existence. They are subjected to sadistic and grotesque punishments, physically and mentally twisted to suit AM's whims. Ellison's writing is vivid and visceral, with each character's inner turmoil and pain laid bare. The story also delves into the deeper questions of what it means to be alive and conscious, and how much control we truly have over our own minds and bodies. Despite its short length, "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" is a haunting and thought-provoking read. The story will linger with you long after you finish, leaving you questioning the very nature of existence. It's not a book for the faint of heart, but for those who can stomach it, it's a must-read for any science-fiction or dystopian fan.

Rebecca Serle

Rebecca Serle’s novel In Five Years in a stunningly heartbreaking love story, offering it’s readers an interesting take on how life changes. 

Beginning in present day (2020), our narrator Dannie Kohan is about to get everything she wants. She’s living in New York City, with her boyfriend David-soon to be affianced- and working her way up the corporate ladder at her dream job. But when Dannie wakes up and suddenly finds herself five years in the future, engaged and living with a man who is not David, her whole world shifts. Dannie lives five years in the future for exactly one hour before returning to her present. Now that she’s back to her perfectly planned life, can she forget everything she’s just seen? Dannie thinks she can, until everything changes again and she is once again confronted with the future head on. The novel follows Dannie getting ever closer to the five year mark and as the perfect pieces of her life begin to crumble, she finds herself wondering if her plan could have saved her. Told through multiple time skips (both forwards and backwards), In Five Years confronts its readers with the hard truth that life can’t be planned. As Dannie’s life flips and spins, the reader finds themselves looking inward as well, questioning whether their path is truly the one they’re supposed to follow. 

In Five Years presents itself originally as a love story, but it is far from your classic romance. Serle digs deep and examines all the relationships of Dannie’s life, including her relationship with her best friend Bella, who is the complete antithesis of everything Dannie is, exploring not only romance but also the nuances of female friendship. Nominated as a Good Morning America book club pick, Serle’s In Five Years is not to be missed and will leave you not only with tears, but with hope. 

Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover’s novel, It Ends with Us, is a modern-fiction romance novel that will have you crying, laughing, and on the edge of your seat through each plot twist. The novel is told from the perspective of a girl named Lily Bloom who has just recently moved to Boston after completing college and spending her childhood growing up in Maine. Lily is excited to start her own business as she spontaneously opens up a flower shop with her new friend Allysa. Everything seems to fall into place when Lily meets her future husband Ryle Kincaid, a handsome and brilliant neurosurgeon. However, experiences in her new relationship begin to make Lily question her past love that she has left behind and her new life begins to seem not so perfect after all. 

At first I was skeptical when I picked up this novel, for it had previously gained attention and engagement from fans on the social media platform Tik Tok. I was not expecting a book with mass amounts of publicity to actually live up to my expectations. I was proven wrong. I would recommend this read to anyone who appreciates a well-written and sentimental slow burn. For me, this novel brought me to tears for its deep and emotional relevance to problems that many have experienced or are still experiencing today. Colleen Hoover sheds light on a difficult subject matter, while also stressing the ideals of self worth and value as a human being. Now many are awaiting the release of It Starts with Us, a version of the same story in the original novel, but told from a different character’s perspective. In the meantime however, I think that any high school student, who has not already, should definitely read this novel for it will leave you with a powerful impact on both your mind and soul. 

Amy Tan

The relationship one has with their family and the relationship one has with their culture are arguably two of the most important you'll have in your life. Amy Tan explores both of these bonds in her book The Joy Luck Club. Tan's novel takes the reader on a journey between places, people, and time. Focusing on four different sets of mothers and daughters, each separate relationship gives insight to the struggles one goes through during their life. Each mother and daughter's childhood and adult life is touched upon, so the novel is able to span several decades worth of time. Each mother grew up in China, while the daughters were all raised in California. Each of the women's stories are presented through the Joy Luck Club, a group created by mother Suyan Woo, where the four mothers play the card game mahjong together. 

For me, this novel was particularly special since it gave me much insight into the lives of people who aren't like me. Through this novel, I learned the experiences of women growing up in China, the hardships faced by Chinese immigrants to the US, as well as the struggle of keeping a family together when it gets hard. The Joy Luck Club sends a powerful message of maintaining your own identity and being true to yourself even when it seems like the world is against you. This message is one I think is important for everyone to hear, especially young women finding their way in this world.

James S. A. Corey

The first book in The Expanse series has a unique story to it. The novel began as a Sci-fi themed Table-top RPG game played over a message board which co-authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck participated in. The two later took the story told in their private game and transferred it into Leviathan’s Wake under the joint pen name James S.A. Corey. The book tells a dual-perspective far-future science fiction worthy of all the praise that the series has earned over time. The Expanse Series has been adapted into The Expanse series created by Amazon Prime and a later book in the series is being brought to life in video game form by popular developers TellTale Games

The novel tells two concurrent stories: that of a spaceship captain who has stumbled upon a mysterious abandoned ship, and that of a washed-up police detective determined to solve a new case with far reaching political consequences. These two perspectives cross unexpected ways all the while covering interesting and noticeably modern themes of colonialism and policing. The book’s table-top origins in its characters, all of which are grounded but likable. For those who love a large scale sci-fi mystery with dense worldbuilding, this book is for you.

Jon Clinch

It’s safe to say most people know the story of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Whether you read the book itself or saw the Muppets rendition of it as a child, most of us are familiar with old miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. Published in 2019, the novel Marley brings us back to 19th century England to revisit the characters of A Christmas Carol. The novel focuses on Jacob Marley, the friend and business partner who visited Scrooge in ghostly form in Dickens’ tale.  The reader gets a glimpse into the duo’s origins, from the time they were young boys in school to their young adulthood, starting their business together. With his own interpretations of the original piece, Clinch’s novel creatively offers explanations as to why Marley was so miserable in the afterlife and what mistakes he made during his life that got him to that point. 

As someone who has grown up with the story of A Christmas Carol, this work of fiction particularly resonates with me. Despite being released over 175 years after the work it is based upon, Marley serves as an insightful and believable prequel. The text itself is a bit easier to understand than the prose of 19th century writers, while still maintaining authenticity by detailing realistic events that very well could have happened in that time period. If you are also someone who finds a connection with Dickens or A Christmas Carol, I would definitely recommend reading Marley.

Dale Wasserman

“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” is an enlightening work that only becomes more relevant as society progresses. The work is set in a mental institution and highlights how the patients live their lives. However, as society begins to recognize the importance of understanding mental illness today, this writing shows how horribly people with mental illnesses were treated in the mid- 1900s. It shows how people were sent to institutions for being homosexual or for simply having a stutter. It also highlights the harsh forms of “treatment” such as a lobotomy or electroshock therapy. Additionally, the play depicts the abusive guards and caretakers mainly through Nurse Ratchet’s controlling nature. This play criticizes the entire foundation of mental institutions and suggests how they could potentially do more harm than good. 

This play can also be used to compare life in then and now. It shows how society has become more accepting of mental illnesses and completely changed treatment methods. Now, many people with mental illness take medication and can still live in society whereas before, people with mental illness were treated as outcasts and almost monsters. In fact, almost every aspect of the treatment and patient life in this play has changed for the better. People have become more understanding and willing to help those struggling. It is interesting to see how society has changed in just 60 years. This play serves as a lens into the past which helps to understand how far we have developed as a society.

Karen M McManus

All her life, Bronwyn has been “The Brain”, the Yale-bound girl who wouldn’t dream of breaking a rule. Addy is the picture-perfect homecoming princess. Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing. And then there's Cooper, the athlete, the all-star baseball pitcher. Finally, there's Simon, the friendless outcast with the blog known for exposing the school’s deepest secrets. When Simon dies, everything starts to go south for these four closed off teenagers. Their enclosed secrets that only Simon had been aware of were now in danger of leaking, and their whole lives were about to be changed. No one knows who committed the crime. Were they in on this together? Did one of them do it? None of them? No one knows. 

Alex Michaelides

What happens when you mix a murder mystery, with psychology, and Greek Mythology? The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. The Silent Patient is a novel that focuses on Theo Faber, a psychotherapist with an obsession for famous artist and murderer, Alicia Berenson. Alicia has been charged for the murder of her husband, Gabriel, and hasn’t spoken since the murder took place. Theo is convinced that Alicia did not kill Gabriel and wants to help her find her voice to state her innocence. 

The Silent Patient grabs your attention the second you open the book and you’ll be unable to put it down until you reach the end. As you learn more about Alicia’s and Theo’s lives and the strange characters who inhabit the Grove Psychiatric Hospital, both as patients and doctors. You’ll find yourself trying to piece together how Alicia’s final painting, a self portrait of herself depicted as the Greek heroine, Alcestis, fits into the murder, whether or not she is guilty, and if she is guilty, what her motive could have possibly been. Michaelides focuses on themes of betrayal, guilt, obsession, and mental illness throughout the novel and shows how these problems affect every day life. At the end, you’ll sit in disbelief at everything you had just read and wish you could experience it for the first time again. 

For those (like me) who have found that horror isn’t their favorite  thing to read, The Silent Patient, although dark, should be classified as a psychological thriller and not a horror book. However, proceed with caution if you are uncomfortable with murder and themes of violence and drugs, as the story takes place primarily in a psychiatric hospital for criminals. 

Finally, if you love The Silent Patient as much as I do, Michaelides second book, The Maidens is also an entrancing read that has themes of murder, psychology, and Greek Mythology. I can’t wait for Michaelides to release a third book and hope you enjoy The Silent Patient!

Rick Riordan

The Son Of Neptune is the second installment in the Heroes of Olympus series and focuses on Percy Jackson, Hazel Levesque, and Frank Zhang. The story is based on Roman and Greek mythology. 

The characters are well-developed, with each having their own unique personalities and motivations. Each of the main characters is unique in their own, but also hide secrets. First off, Percy Jackson has amnesia and needs to figure out who he is in order to forge a relation with the Romans. Hazel Levesque came back from the underworld and can controls all the riches beneath the earth. Frank Zhang has powers that require his life to be attached to a piece of firewood. 

One of the strengths of the book is the way it combines Greek and Roman mythology, creating a complex and fascinating world that is both familiar and new. The themes of friendship, loyalty, and bravery are also explored in the story, making it not just an action-packed adventure but also a meaningful journey of self-discovery.

Over the course of the book each one of them reveals their secrets and learns about themselves while on a mission to free Death from the clutches of a giant. The thrilling adventure has the trio face mythical villains and monsters, giving chills whenever the action is present. Overall, "Son of Neptune" is a highly entertaining and well-crafted novel that will appeal to fans of mythology, action, and adventure.

Adam Silvera

They Both Die at the End is a young adult novel that is science fiction based in a sort of dystopian version of New York City.  A notable thing to note about the novel is that Silvera does not conceal the book’s ending.  Instead of the readers predicting how the book will end as they flip through pages and get further in the novel, the title is a dead giveaway of what should be expected.  Regardless of the novel’s sad ending, Silvera’s work is able to capture a heartwarming and genuine relationship between the two teenage protagonists, Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio. 

As I was reading the novel, I was hoping that the two would beat their fate of death in less than 24 hours.  In the novel, Death Cast is the company that delivers bad news by notifying the two teenagers that they will die at the end of the day.  Even though this novel was absolutely heartwrenching, I enjoyed getting engrossed in the two individuals' adventures.  The novel truly is a tale of two strangers who become each other's friends on their last day of living. They “meet up for one final epic adventure-- to live a lifetime in a single day.”  They are able to discover things about themselves without fearing about the future, since they only have one day to live. 

This novel allows its readers to appreciate the value of life and to live each day like it is their last.  Life is so unpredictable and Silvera captures the beauty of life and living it to the fullest through Mateo and Rufus.  Silvera is able to paint a reality for his readers, no matter how hard the truth may be.  

Jeffery Eugenides

Jeffery Eugenides’ acclaimed novel The Virgin Suicides is a unique and captivating story of infatuation, nostalgia, and regret. Narrated from the retrospective point of view of a few neighborhood boys, it follows the months leading up to the suicide of the five beautiful yet elusive Lisbon sisters. Throughout the novel, Eugenides describes seemingly mundane and prosaic events in the girl’s lives through the rose-colored lens of teenage boys who are equally fascinated with and disconnected from the girl’s conditions. 

Some readers may disagree with Eugenides’ decision to disclose the end of the story before it has even begun. However, others would argue that this makes it even easier to sympathize with the plight of the sisters while those around them invalidate and disregard the glaring signs of their impending suicide. 

Arguably the most interesting aspect of the story is that although the main characters of the story are the Lisbon sisters, it is told entirely from the perspective of the boys, outside observers of their lives. The unique form of perspective and unreliable narration  utilized by Eugenides allows the book to perfectly capture the feeling of being a girl coming of age in a world where your experiences are never truly your own, and where the feeling of being constantly commodified and consumed by an intangible beholder is never quite escapable, even in death.

E. Lockhart

We Were Liars, by E Lockhart captivates the audience with family secrets and lies. To the eye, they were the picture-perfect family: The Sinclairs. Throughout the novel, the truth unravels, and all the family issues which were hidden by their generation's wealth come to the surface. 

The novel narrated by Candace Sinclair, a high schooler, talks about her time visiting her family's private island near Massachusetts every summer. Candace spends her time on the island with her cousins, Mirum and Johnny, and her uncle's stepson Gat, building strong relationships with them. She would go on adventures with her cousins all while falling in love with Gat.

One summer, Candance narrates that she had an accident leading to severe migraines and memory loss. But not to her knowledge it wasn't a small accident, but it was the biggest tragedy to ever occur in the Sinclair Family.

Overall, We Were Liars, is a well-written book with a very thought-out plot. If you like books with romance and surprises, you will love this novel. Out of all the books, I have read, this one had one of the biggest surprises in it and it all made sense when I finished the last page. I recommend this book to all students who enjoy reading.

Holly Jackson

April 18, 2014: Andie Bell was found dead in the small town of Fairview, Connecticut. All evidence pointed to her boyfriend, Sal Singh. The case was closed. 

Five years later: Pip Fitz-Amobi decides to dig deeper into this case for her senior capstone project. Her instincts tell her that someone framed Sal, but in order to prove that, she will need to fill in the missing holes from the night of April 18, 2014. With various interviews, news articles, and the help from Sal’s younger brother, Ravi, they start to peel off the layers of this mystery, while uncovering dark secrets that the town wanted hidden. 

Holly Jackson’s bestselling and award-winning novel, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, keeps you twisted in the mystery and secrets that lie in Fairview. Jackson writes this book filled with suspense and plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat with every page turn. This novel also covers the importance of friendships and enemies through Pip’s interactions with possible suspects. If you love mysteries or thrillers, you will definitely get drawn into this young adult novel. While this novel can be read as a standalone, it is a part of a trilogy which expands on different cases intertwining with Andie Bell’s.

Stephen King

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Carrie. On one hand, it was written by Stephen King, one of the most successful living authors. On the other hand, Carrie is his first published novel: I thought it may not be as well written as his newer works. So, I went in with no expectations, and was very pleasantly surprised. Carrie follows a simple plotline, and King uses this simplicity to his benefit. Without the need to develop a twisting, winding narrative, he has more opportunities to detail the psychology of his characters and to foreshadow. This builds a foreboding atmosphere which lasts for the entire book. The most conspicuous of King’s foreshadowing is his use of an array of fictitious books and newspaper articles. The story is frequently broken up by excerpts from these texts, offering vague retrospectives on events yet to happen.

King’s writing of the namesake protagonist was another standout of the novel. Carrie’s thoughts spontaneously appear throughout the text. They are usually incomplete sentences, without any punctuation or capitalization. Otherwise large paragraphs may be abruptly broken apart by her thoughts. Between the fictitious texts and these fragments of Carrie’s consciousness, The novel frequently alternates between the present and the future, and the mental and the physical. Carrie is erratic, uncanny, and a truly unique experience for the reader.