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Fate of the Fallen
Kade, Kel
Reviewed: November 19, 2024
Fate of the Fallen by Kel Kade is a book I picked up at my local library's book sale. The blurb on the back states, “What if Frodo died and Sam had to complete his task?” And while the book does not quite measure up to the Tolkien trilogy, it has its own quirks and boons. It follows the classic high fantasy plotline of a prophesied chosen one defeating the dark lord. The main issue with this prophesied fate is that the hero, Mathias, jumps into adventure headfirst and then gets killed the very day his journey begins – not by the enemy, but by his best friend, Aaslo. Aaslo, Mathias... Read Full Review
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Orconomics: A Satire
Pike, J. Zachary
Reviewed: November 12, 2024
Orconomics by J. Zachary Pike puts a satirical spin on the traditional tale of high fantasy adventurers fighting for the good of the realm by asking one simple question: What would an economy fueled by quests and adventures look like? In the world of Arth, Dwarf, Elf, Human, and other Lightkin corporations stake claims on monster hoards and ruthlessly oppress the opposition. To avoid being murdered for company profit margins, Orcs, Goblins, and other Shadowkin must acquire Noncombatant Papers or risk being killed by a group of professional adventurers.
Our tale follows... Read Full Review
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Out of My Mind
Draper, Sharon M.
Reviewed: October 31, 2024
Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper revolves around 11-year-old girl Melody Brooks. Unlike the kids who run around and scream, Melody has Cerebral Palsy, which limits her ability to speak or walk. However, Melody has a photographic memory, which allows her to absorb any information or memories that come to her. Yet, outsiders don’t see that. They see a girl who can’t walk, talk, or eat. An anomaly. The book takes us through Melody’s struggles and how she attempts to overcome them, all while dealing with the aspects of going to school and learning how to express herself given her... Read Full Review
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The Metamorphosis
Kafka, Franz
Reviewed: October 23, 2024
The novella, The Metamorphosis was written by Franz Kafka and published in 1915. The story follows Gregor Samsa, a salesman tasked with providing for his family, following his metamorphosis into a giant beetle.
As Gregor awakes one morning, he is startled by the realization that he is late for work, only to realize soon after that he has transformed into a horrifyingly giant bug. Laying on his back, unable to move or communicate with his family in the other room, Gregor is eventually discovered after his employer makes a home visit inquiring about his whereabouts. Shocked... Read Full Review
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The Bell Jar
Plath, Sylvia
Reviewed: October 9, 2024
The novel The Bell Jar was written by Sylvia Plath and published in 1963. The novel follows Esther, a young woman aspiring for a future career, and her inner turmoil as she attempts to navigate who she wishes to be.
The novel takes place in New York City in the 1950s, a hub of music, culture, people, and opportunity. Esther, originally from a small town, is interning for a fashion magazine and is unacquainted with the hectic environment. The first half of the novel centers on Esther’s time in New York, where she interacts with various characters, many of whom also... Read Full Review
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Freak the Mighty
Philbrick, W. R.
Reviewed: October 2, 2024
Freak the Mighty is a novel about the inseparable friendship between Maxwell and Kevin. Kevin is referred to as “Freak” throughout the story, for he is abnormally small but greatly intelligent, contrasting to Max, who is a large boy and has cognitive challenges. As they navigate their lives, they build an imaginary world where they team up and fight off people with bad intentions and go on exciting adventures.
The theme of this book is identity and the way you look at the world, as well as overcoming obstacles with support around you. I would recommend this book to those... Read Full Review
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If Only I Had Told Her
Nowlin, Laura
Reviewed: September 25, 2024
If Only I Had Told Her is a poignant love story that delves into the complexities of unrequited love, friendship, and the power of honesty. Finn's deep-seated feelings for Autumn, juxtaposed against his commitment to his girlfriend Sylvie, form the narrative's emotional core. From the very first page, readers are drawn into Finn's internal struggle, feeling the weight of his unspoken emotions and the turmoil they bring. The story is artfully told through three distinct perspectives, offering readers a multifaceted view of the tangled relationships. Finn's perspective provides... Read Full Review
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You'd be Home Now
Glasgow, Kathleen
Reviewed: September 18, 2024
You’d Be Home Now is one of the best portrayals of the young adult experience that I have read to date. The novel follows Emory, a by all means average teenage girl, after a tragic accident leaves her isolated from the majority of her peers. Meanwhile, her brother Joey has been sent to a rehabilitation facility to treat his drug addiction, and Emory grapples with her anxiety surrounding his return. Despite all of her worries, she remains optimistic that her brother will return as the warm and supportive version of himself she remembers from childhood. However, upon Joey’s return... Read Full Review
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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Reid, Taylor Jenkins
Reviewed: September 11, 2024
Taylor Jenkins Reid's The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo explores the life of a Hollywood icon through an exclusive interview with an unknown magazine reporter, Monique Grant. As Evelyn recounts her journey through fame, wealth, success, and seven marriages, she reveals all the secrets and truths that reshape Monique's understanding of love and ambition. The first thing that caught my eye was the book's formatting, featuring newspaper articles that showed the opinions of the public and multiple perspectives, switching between Evelyn's past and Monique's present. These elements... Read Full Review
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National Treasure
Reviewed: September 4, 2024
For any fans of history, action, and romance, this is for you! My favorite subject in school has always been history, and when I found out these movies existed, I immediately binge-watched them. My favorite movie genres are usually fantasy/historical with romance, which was perfect for me. The main character, Ben (named after Benjamin Franklin), studies history and is related to one of the people who had access to the Declaration of Independence. He and the men in his family line have always been interested in finding lost history puzzles. When one is mysteriously related to gold and the... Read Full Review
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Fate Breaker
Aveyard, Victoria
Reviewed: August 28, 2024
Fate Breaker unfolds as a gripping tale of epic proportions, where the fate of the realm hangs precariously in the balance. With Taristan and Queen Erida's triumphant rise from the battlefield and Corayne's narrow escape with Taristan's Spindleblade, the stage is set for an exhilarating showdown between light and darkness. As Corayne and her scattered Companions race against time to reunite and gather allies, they face daunting challenges and formidable foes. Taristan and Erida, bolstered by the malevolent god, What Waits, loom as near-invincible adversaries, willing to sacrifice... Read Full Review
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Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School
Jewell, Tiffany
Reviewed: August 21, 2024
In Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School, Tiffany Jewell poignantly examines racism's widespread impact on American education. Jewell recounts her childhood and college experiences to show how systemic racism influences education. Jewell painstakingly deconstructs school prejudice via personal narrative and underrepresented authors' voices. Each example shows how black and brown students face systemic hurdles and microaggressions daily. The book inspires readers to explore racism and education critically. Jewell urges readers to examine their collaboration and... Read Full Review