I’ve been watching The Lord of the Rings movies since I was about seven, but before this I never had the chance to read the books. My brother has been an avid fan since before I had even heard of it, so he has told me so much about the trilogy and the other Tolkien books. When I finally got the opportunity to read the first of the trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring, I was amazed. My brother had set my expectations high, but I had no idea a story could be this interesting. The story goes deep into a complex fantasy world, showing the travels of Frodo, a simple hobbit. The riveting plot kept me from putting down the book for hours. I constantly wanted to explore more of the deep sub-plots involved in the story.
This novel is regarded as one of the first great fantasy novels. If you like Game of Thrones or other large scale fantasy novels, you will love Lord of the Rings. Besides the trilogy, there are also other books about the world of hobbits and wizards that the book is set in, called Middle Earth. They go through the history of every corner of this world. Tolkien even made extensive maps of Middle Earth, which can be found in most copies of the novel. Ultimately The Fellowship of the Ring is an exciting and fast-paced read that shows older novels are just as great if not better than the newer ones.
Reviewed by Miles B.
Monthly Archives: February 2016
The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu (2014)
The Three-Body Problem is a profound science fiction that includes various topics in fields of physics, social science, and philosophy. The story starts with a secret project for the Search of Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) in China after the crazy ages of the Chinese Revolution. Humans’ first contact with an extraterrestrial civilization is fascinating, but it also causes a destructive invasion to humanity. Fifty years later, when a nano-tech scientist gets involved with a series of mysterious suicides of advanced scientists, he gradually discovers the astonishing history in his investigation.
The title of this book might scare some people away from opening this sci-fi, and the book is truly written based on advanced physics concepts; however, surprisingly the book does not require much basic knowledge of physics to understand it. Although Liu is not perfect at depicting characters, his interpretation of different science theories is very easy to understand. The most interesting part of his imaginary ideas is the creation of this three-body civilization. The civilization gets such a name because it lives on a planet in an abnormal solar system with three stars, so the natural environment on the planet is really harsh. The three-body creatures struggle a lot in the development of their civilization but finally achieve the technology of universal colonization. They rudely declare war on the earth for its stable environment and fruitful resources. Ironically, this invasion is just like humans’ internal wars in history, which makes the plot more realistic. For readers who love fancy ideas, this book is absolutely a good choice.
Reviewed by Weijia Z.
Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi (2010)
Nailer, a teenage boy from the Gulf Coast, lives a hard life. He breaks down beached oil ships for anything of value to sell. He works on the “light crew” whose members climb through the narrow passageways of the ship’s interior, stripping copper wire from its ducts. One day, a devastating hurricane changes everything for Nailer. He finds a storm-wrecked Clipper ship, whose value would bring Nailer out of poverty. He is forced to make the difficult decision between saving the beautiful female survivor’s life, or stripping the ship and becoming wealthy.
Bacigalupi does an outstanding job writing this novel, as evident in the two awards it has won. I truly enjoyed reading this book due to the constant action and plot twists, along with dynamic characters who develop as the story progresses. Nailer has many personal growth moments and is forced to deal with things a child his age should never have to deal with. The author expertly integrates many themes, including loyalty and ethics, to enrich the plot. This book is not very lengthy, has fast-paced action, and something interesting happening on every page. This book is definitely a page-turner and you will have a hard time putting it down.
Reviewed by Andrew D.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992)
In the heart of hippie-infested Hampden, Vermont lies Hampden College, a liberal arts hub for misfits from across the world. Here, Richard Papen meets the six people who will alter his world and the way he observes mankind forever. When his classmates try to experience God in an ancient ritual, it spirals out of human control and shakes the core of their beliefs and morals. The power struggle that ensues forces the survivors into a frightening awareness of the weight truth holds over them.
While the main character Richard leaped at the chance to be apart of the Classics Club, led by Professor Julian Morrow, I was wary of their charm and intelligence – these people couldn’t be this…cool. Hundreds of pages later, they undoubtedly stole my heart while slowly crumbling before my eyes. These characters went from outlandish to endearing to dangerous before I could say liars. These changes kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting for the conclusion, till the final pages. The thrilling story of Richard and his five classmates losing their moral compasses will enrapture you with the drama and mystery that surrounds the Lyceum where Tartt lays our scene.
Reviewed by Abbey R.
If I Stay by Gayle Forman (2010)
Imagine your soul is totally out of your body, and you are watching yourself laying in the ICU at the hospital thinking that your parents and brother are all gone; relatives, friends, and lovers are scurrying and worrying around you. Would you choose to stay? If I Stay is a story about a young cellist called Mia who loses her parents and brother in a tragic car accident. Facing herself in a coma and watching her friends running around for her and worrying about her for 24 hours, she keeps asking herself only one question: “Am I supposed to stay?” Watching herself under this breathing apparatus, she starts to recall these memories: the small happy pieces of her family, the relationship with her friends, and how she fell in love with her boyfriend…
I discovered this book at a bookstore because I was attracted by the title of it. I like the story, because as I was reading, I felt Mia’s pain and her feeling of helplessness. The whole book is written in first person; because of the special situation of Mia, she can see people’s reality and expresses feelings of shock when she sees her own body. Her body stays in bed as if it is dead at the hospital, but her soul is wandering around the world with the ability to think, the feeling of pain, and crying with tears. Because of this unique character, I walk into Mia’s world and cry with her, smile with her, and think with her. The book is only a novel but brings pain to its readers, makes us examine our lives again and experience 24 hours with them. Families, friendship, and love. Those three words sound light and easy, but the actual weight and meaning hits everybody’s heart. Because of the intoxicating affection and love that runs through whole book, I cherish my life and am thankful. “If I Stay”: this simple sentence will adequately comfort us. 
Reviewed by Maomao D.
Four by Veronica Roth (2014)
In Veronica Roth’s thrilling novel Four, citizens live in dystopian Chicago broken up into five factions: Dauntless, the brave; Amity, the kind; Candor, the honest; Erudite, the knowledgeable; and Abnegation, the selfless. Until now, the protagonist Four had no control over his life or faction but is suddenly left with the toughest decision of his life: which faction will he choose? His aptitude test gave him his current faction, Abnegation, but does he really belong there, in arm’s reach of his abusive father, Marcus? One choice will either break or free Four, and there’s no turning back.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes or is interested in reading the Divergent series or dystopian novels. This book not only features exciting adventures but, due to Four’s strained relationship with his father, also emphasizes the importance of friendship and, furthermore, expressing yourself. Taking place before the Divergent series, this book is written from Four’s point of view. The novel gives insight into his life before he chooses his faction and demonstrates how his character develops into who he is in the Divergent series. I would recommend that you read this novel before reading the Divergent series. I believe it will provide more explanation about Four’s personality and help the reader understand what his intentions are throughout the rest of the series.
Reviewed by Duru C.
Brinkley Manor by P.G. Wodehouse (1934)
P.G. Wodehouse’s Brinkley Manor is one of many books about the adventures of a young man named Bertie Wooster and his trustworthy manservant, Jeeves. Despite having a good heart, Bertie is continuously getting himself into trouble and Jeeves is usually the one to bail him out. Brinkley Manor revolves around Bertie’s various attempts to reunite two couples and bring together a pair of lovers, all of which include members of his family and some of his close friends.
While this novel may be written in an informal style, Wodehouse use this to introduce Bertie even before the reader has experienced his behavior. Not only does Wodehouse develop this character wonderfully, but by telling the story from Bertie’s point of view, Wodehouse describes the other characters. These characters are not just well developed, but they are also very appealing. Despite the fact that the three conflicts are introduced in the first few chapters, the plot does not drag, and Bertie’s plans prove to be amusing throughout. Also I feel the plot of this novel defines Bertie’s character, a kind man who wants to help his friends, but may not be very smart. Due to Wodehouse’s appealing writing style, the colorful characters, and the entertaining plot, I give this novel a 4 out of 4 pawprints.
Reviewed by Chami L.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain (2012)
In Susan Cain’s book Quiet, she builds up a fortress for universal introverts by redefining the word “introversion” throughout her various and insightful research. Meanwhile, Cain also gives assorted perspectives on introversion in diverse cultures in order to prove that the existence of introversion in this world does matter. Overall, Cain successfully shatters the wall of people’s prejudices and misunderstandings on introversion, especially in Western Extroversion Ideal society nowadays.
The author undoubtedly examines and demonstrates the power of quietness by vividly presenting successful introverted leaders in different fields. Cain not only focuses on psychological differences between introverts and extroverts, but also examines their behaviors along with providing real-life cases. Furthermore, Cain exposes the fact that introverted people often tend to self-deceive and pretend to be extroverts; nevertheless, she uses humorous and concise language to softly and gradually tear off the suit of self-deceit and wear off the unnecessary worries to be oneself. As I consider myself as an absolute introvert, I felt myself being healed and gaining courage to be myself, at the mercy of the book and Susan Cain’s magic power of words.
Reviewed by Felix Q.
Buyology by Martin Lindstrom (2008)
Buyology by Martin Lindstrom examines what goes through our minds when we are buying any sort of product. Lindstrom undertook a 3 year, seven-million dollar marketing study to examine what makes us buy the things we do. The surprising results that are displayed in this book might shatter what you believe about how you buy products.
Lindstrom’s book Buyology interests readers that are curious in the way that marketers entice us to buy any sort of product that is created. His studies are eloquently written, and he accurately describes all the aspects of neuroscience that are associated with our purchases. Even if the reader is not familiar with any sort of neuroscience, Lindstrom is able to describe exactly what part of our brain is involved without using over-complicated terms. He adds his own personal anecdotes about the traps that many companies make us fall into, which allows him to connect strongly with the reader. If you have an interest in neuroscience, sales, business, marketing, or just a curiosity in what makes us buy any product, I strongly recommend that you read Lindstrom’s book.
Reviewed by Akash K.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (1890)
In Oscar Wilde’s novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, a handsome, young aristocrat inspires his friend Basil, a renowned artist, to paint his portrait. Once finished, the painting’s charm induces Dorian to make a fateful wish to stay forever young and beautiful while his picture ages, bearing the physical symbols of his wrongdoing. As Dorian grows corrupt, the portrait becomes sinister and ugly while his sordid acts leave his face unchanged.
The story, amidst clever dialogue and detailed descriptions of wealth and art, poses questions of morality. Can one really live a life so filled with corruption as Dorian’s while escaping any punishment? Wilde’s prose, often filled with allusions to history, mythology, and Victorian culture, paints a vivid picture of a hedonistic man engaged in a life of immorality. The Picture of Dorian Gray is a thought provoking and entertaining depiction of friendship and love that forces us to question the nature of our souls.
Reviewed by Lindsay I.