What books did you read this summer? Please write briefly about the books you read. Don't merely list the titles. Write your thoughts and reactions, please.
1. Forever in Blue This one is in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. It was pretty good overall and a good way to end the series.
2. Never Have Your Dog Stuffed Alan Alda's autobiography. It was very funny and I really loved reading it. There was so much about his life that I didn't know before reading it.
3. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince I read this to catch up for the seventh Harry Potter book and loved it as usual. I think this was the second or third time I've read it and it makes me cry every time.
4. Academy X It's on my list of books that I've read, but to be honest I don't even remember it all that much.
5. Perfect Match This one is by Jodi Picoult who is my favorite author, but I really didn't like this book. It was one of the very few that I disliked by her. It was about a child molestation case and then the mother of that child, who worked in the court, killed the man she thought did it. It stopped being about the child and the whole story revolved around the mother which I really disliked.
6.Ghosts I actually liked this, but it was a bit confusing especially at the end.
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 7th book. It was pretty much amazing. I think I finished it in 3 or 4 days. Her writing style isn't my favorite, but the actual story is one of the best I've found.
8. Plainsong This one was alright. I found it a bit hard to get through probably just because it was schoolwork over the summer, but overall it was pretty good. The characters were all interesting and the way he wove all their lives together was different than I have ever read.
9. The Nature of Jade This one is by Deb Caletti who is a favorite author of mine from when I was younger. Her writing is really beautiful and I love some of her thoughts on teenage love and loss.
10. The Insiders This is another one that I will forget rather quickly. It was just one of those to read for fun before school starts. Not all that interesting, but it kept me reading.
Fahrenheit 451 Interestingly a book about burning books. It held a somewhat haunting message about the future of society; especially in the portrayal of the viewing room.
Siddhartha Very interesting account of the life of a monk who attained enlightenment. I have since read that the events in the story are different and am still trying to find the truth.
Ascent of Rum Doodle As a satire directed at the large expedition climbing community it was very immusing and a light read.
Being Peace Written about Ticht Nacht Hahn it discusses the ideals of Buddhism and how they are used to become "awakened" or understanding. This is also the source contradicting Siddhartha.
God Came Near Written about experiences and events taking place in the life of a man attempting to understand his religion.
Ghosts A slow play at the beginning, but it ended with a bang that was classic Ibsen style. I enjoyed the way in which Ibsen gave a false impression of innocence and then concluded by shattering the audience's misconcieved view of the characters.
Hedda Gabler Very similar to Ghosts in the way that Ibsen is attempting to change the ideal of noble characters coming from noble families. He twists the role and persona of each character dramatically throughout the play in a way that exposes each individuals darker side. Similar to what he did in Ghosts, he switches from a sense of innocence to a sense of guilt with his characters
The Girls: This novel followed two sisters through their lives as conjoined twins. I enjoyed seeing them overcome the many obstacles they faced and it was a fun summer read.
Dream When You're Feeling Blue: Another fun summer read! The novel took place during WWII and was the story of three sisters and how they dealt with the war and living without the men they loved.
90 Minutes in Heaven: This was an autobiography about a man who claimed to have died in a car crash, but was then revived after 90 minutes. To be honest, I don't think I finished, as I found it quite strange.
A Thousand Splendid Suns: Khaled Hosseini's second novel was another interesting glimpse into the lives of Afghan children and their struggle to grow up in a world of turmoil. This one was about a young girl and follows her struggles and triumphs. I loved the book and couldn't put it down. It was very eye-opening and slightly difficult to read at times.
We Were the Mulvaney's: I enjoyed the book although it was very slow in the beginning and never really got going. The plot was entertaining but the novel could have been about half as long.
Ghosts: I enjoyed the play and found it quite easy to read, however, I feel as though I missed a lot and I was totally confused by the ending.
The Sun Also Rises: I really enjoyed this novel set in the 1920's in France and Spain. It was short and sweet, yet very entertaining and beautifully written.
The Other Boelyn Girl: I haven't yet finished this novel but so far it is wonderful! It is about Mary Boelyn, the sister to King Henry's Anne Boelyn and her place in the English court. It is very interesting, especially considering it deals with information we just covered in western civ, and it is a novel full of romance and scandle to keep one entertained.
Some of my favorite books that I read over this summer were A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, and My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult.
When I first picked up A Thousand Splendid Suns, I was expecting a sequel to the Kite Runner. However, I found that the characters and plot line is entirely different from the Kite Runner. Despite this difference, the underlying struggle for peace and freedom in Afghanistan was prevalent in both novels. I liked how in A Thousand Splendid Suns Hosseini focuses in on the hardships faced by Afghani women. Through the eyes of Mariam, a teenager who struggles through an abusive marriage with an older man, Rasheed, Hosseini unveils the opression faced by Afghani women under the Taliban's rule.
Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books that I have read several times. I love how Bronte creates a stunning plot with some victorian and gothic elements centered around the life of an oprhan named Jane Eyre as she transforms from a small child living in her aunt's care to a successful governess.
Finally, My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult is a stunning book about thirteen-year-old Anna Fitzgerald who was concieved to be a donor for her older sister, Kate Fitzgerald, who has a rare form of lukemia. When Anna is asked to donate a kidney to her sister, she takes a heated lawsuit against her parents for rights over her own body. Throughout this novel, Picoult raises questions over the ethics of medical technology, parenthood, friendship, family, and love. By writing from a variety of character's perspectives, Picoult creates a compelling plot twisted with a roller coaster of emotions. This book is one of my favorites because I love Picoult's writing style and how she depicts the character's emotions with detail and accuracy to make the story more intriguing.
I am in progress of reading The Elegant Universe, by Brian Greene, which deals with all sorts of physics-related material and truly groundbreaking theories. Elegant Universe is extremely interesting and presented in layman terms (It could be a lot worse).
The Tempest, by William Shakespeare is one of my favorite plays by Shakespeare. It is intriguing and also funny at some points. Great for an eclectic reader.
The Book, by Alan Watts, is a philosophical collection that makes one rethink the simplest actions in life such as balls in space, why we do what we do and relativity. It is Great for someone who enjoys an interesting perspective about god and our world. Not a great book for devout religious members.
The Fabric of the Cosmos, by Brian Greene. Again, it is similar to Elegant Universe, with diagrams and fascinating discoveries. Science related.
And Ghosts of course, a bit too slow moving for me. I read the first 58 pages and lost intrest and had to return it to the library where it was on hold for someone else.
The Tempest: This short play by William Shakespeare was a great read. I enjoyed the numerous uses of magic and monsters and instantly made many connections to both Beowulf and A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Ghosts: I enjoyed the radical notions brought forth within this work and imagining how they must have been viewed when first printed. This was an interesting piece and has a great climax in the last act.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: I have read all the Harry Potter books and found this one to be just as amazing if not better than it's predecesors. Knowing that with every turn of the page I would be closer to finding out the ending, an exhilerating read.
Eldest: I was a big fan of Eragon, and so I like to keep sharp on the two books until their sequal comes out. I lived in Montana for two years so knowing a 15 year old Montanian wrote this trilogy was awesome. This book is big on fiction and fantasy
Phantoms: This is a horror by Dean Koontz, I love scaring myself with movies and books so this psychological thriller provided the adrenaline rush I love to feel.
A Short History of Nearly Everything: I read this book for my AP Biology class. It is a very interesting book, pushing for ideas such as seperating from the norm and not trusting other's answers. It explains the history of everything, per the title. It starts out before the big bang and continues through evolution up to nowdays describing everything scientifically in between.
When The Wind Blows: This was written by James Patterson and is probably my favorite book, it is a thriller featuring a topic of genetics and where it may take us. Although displayed in a strictly fictional manner the author does make a point to explain that the main character's genetic modifications are actually possible today. Even going so far as to cite a doctor who says he is confident that he could accomplish the task.
I’d like to start off by saying that I am sorry for my puny list and that Mrs. Makovsky is beautiful.
East of Eden: When asked to comment on the novel Steinbeck was reported to have said, “I think everything else I have written has been, in a sense, practice for this.” After reading his most beloved work it is easy to see why. The breathtaking language and rich philosophy alone make East of Eden a monument of literary achievement. However, as much as I enjoyed the ideas Steinbeck presents, the plot itself seems markedly mundane. Though life rarely provides us with the glorious triumphs and tragadies conveyed in literature, the story failed, in my opinion, to go beyond the ordinary lives of somewhat unexceptional people.
A Short History of Nearly Everything: Bill Bryson’s national bestseller was an exceptionally boring read tied together by a web of inescapable digressions. I wouldn’t recommend this book unless you really love science and really hate excitement.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: The Last of Rowling’s epic series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was a whirlwind of literary entertainment and escape. Indeed what Harry Potter lacks in philosophical and poetic content, it more than makes up for in excitement.
1. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix I read this one to refresh my memory in time for the fifth movie. It's amazing how each time you read a book again and again things keep popping up that you never noticed before!
2. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Read it to refresh my memory in time for the release of the seventh book. It hit me exactly the same way it did when I read it the first time--Rowling's writing just does that to some people! I guess that's why she's one of my favorite authors.
3. Frankenstien I'll be completely honest. This book is extrememly depressing. But it really has a good message in that it describes what potential outcomes man's curiosity and wayward obsessions could have on posterity and on his own life. It really hit me in that it showed a different perspective from what I'd expected. Sometimes I didn't know who the villian was, but one thing's for sure: I loved the book and would highly recommend it.
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows OH WOW. This book is definitely my all time favorite of the series. The emotional roller coaster it takes you through is unlike anything experienced in real life. It's an amazing piece of literature.
5. A Short History of Nearly Everything I had to read this book for AP Biology as well and overall it was really interesting. Some parts of the book were a little dull, but everyone has their own interests and I know that there is something in here everyone will like. Bryson's analogies were my all time favorite part! His comparison's really allowed me to see how so many ideas and objects go unnoticed by man, and yet they play such a huge role in our lives.
6. The Kite Runner I think I loved this book so much because a lot of the culture was relateable. Even though many of the characters spoke Farsi, a lot of the words in both Hindi and Farsi are the same and I never knew that until I read this book. It really puts things in perspective, especially for a person like me who doesn't know too much about the foriegn going-ons. Overall the story and its multiple meanings were beyond amazing and I would definitely recommend this book. I'm waiting impatiently to read A Thousand Splendid Suns.
7. Ghosts I am still relatively confused about the purpose of this play. It was pretty easy to read, but I think discussing it after reading it is the best way to understand what Ibsen is trying to portray through his characters, but it isn't my favorite piece of literature so far.
1. The Kite Runner- I absolutely love this book and this was the second time I have read it, but I still could not put it down. His writing style and descriptive details amaze me every time.
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- This book totally blew me away and I think it was Rowling's perfect ending to this series. The way she draws you in to the text so much that you cannot put this book down truly displays her talent.
3. Ghosts- While this wasn't the most interesting of books to begin I actually started to get caught up in the plot when I read it for the second time. The characters are so deep, I am looking forward to discussing it!
4. Jane Eyre- It was a long read, but well worth it! I can now absolutely appreciate why it is a classic.
5.Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony- I really liked this series although it isn't that advanced... And I thought this book was one of the best yet!
6. The Yiddish Policeman's Union- I found this book off the bestseller list and was blown away by the intensity of the topic. Chabon's writing style is bland at times but very informative.
7. The Golden Compass- I really liked this book and I plan to finish the rest of the story, but the plot is so detailed, yet it is still very easy to follow along.
Ghosts: It started off slow but picked up once the truths came out and I liked how this play exposed the characters for who they really were.
Hamlet: I loved the interactions between the characters and Hamlet's struggle with revenge.
The Tempest: I liked how Shakespeare uses magic in his plays but the ending was disappointing.
A Short History of Nearly Everything: Bill Bryson's humor makes even the dullest science subjects interesting and he really opened my eyes to how much hard work was put into getting where we are today in understanding the world around us even though there is still so much left to learn.
The Memory Keeper's Daughter Not bad...about a father who gave his autistic child away at birth and kept her "normal" twin. Interesting story and easy read though I feel so spoiled with literature....how can I read anything but the classics and dense literature?!
The Sun Also Rises A Hemingway that I really enjoyed. The language was easy but the content rich. Reminded me lots of Gatsby with it's glitz and glammour and underneath a dark life.
Ghosts Quick and easy and so rich in symbolism and interpretations. Really enjoyed Ibsen's style of writing.
A Short History of Nearly Everything AP Bio...an ok book as far as geology and astronomy and old scientists go. :)
Sense and Sensibility Started just before school began. I love Jane Austen, so this has been the next on my list for a long time. So far it's about 3 sisters that are all very different in which one is a stereotypical, passionate, female and the other is strong and intelligent and outspoken.
This summer I didn't spend as much time as I would have liked reading... but i did read Ghosts, The Sun Also Rises, and the beginning of Harry Potter 7. Ghosts was interesting because I was never to impressed by it until we wrote about it in class then I realized how deeply I could look into it and then I started to like it more. The Sun Also Rises by Hemmingway wasn't my favorite because I found it boring and hard to stay focused on. It seemed to me that I was reading the life story of a man, but just the two month (or so), part when he was figuring out how to get deeper and deeper into the hole of life that he was already in. Sorry if you liked it (Cayla) but I liked it almost as little as I liked The Loved One, which many of you know that I loathed that book entirely. Harry Potter is Harry Potter, so it's a good book, but not really up to the standards of AP English Literature and Composition, but it's always fun. If anyone has read it, please don't ruin the ending like the freshmen in the library on the first day of school almost did... So that was more or less the extent of my summer reading rather than the reading i did of my AP test scores... yay AP!!!
Ghosts I actually enjoyed this play, and not just because it was short. I thought the plot was interesting and the characters were realistic.
The Kite Runner The way that the book is written is so beautiful, even despite some of the ugly story lines. This book really touched me.
Bringing Down the House This is a novel about the MIT students who started card counting at casinos to make money. It was actually a very entertaining book and makes me appreciate the nerdy math classes that I am currently taking.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows It's all that and more.
Through out the summer I read many books but the ones that I enjoyed the most are the following:
1. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini In this book Amir desperately tries to find himself all while pleasing his father and obeying the rules and culture of his Afghan society. This book tells of the hardships and awful truths that both the people of Afghanistan and Amir endure while growing up.
2. Better Than Running at Night by Hillary Frank Ellie or Ladybug, as her birth certificate says, has struggled though high school and is now trying to move past her old ways and transform into a new person in her New England art school. This book tells of her struggles trying to find herself and her growing into someone she has wanted to be.
3. My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult My Sister’s Keeper is about a loving sister, Ann, who was genetically conceived only to provide her sister, Kate, with a DNA match to help cure her leukemia and how Ann sues her parents to stop making her have transplants and surgeries. This book pulls at your emotions by showing each family member’s ideas toward the situation and then finishes off with the surprising ending.
4. Forever in Blue by Ann Brashares This fourth book in the series The Traveling Pants ends in showing the girls that their bond lies deeper than the pants. They discover what it is to be true friends and keep in touch through everything that happens, no matter what.
Ghosts It was an easy read but a little confusing. It had interesting characters but I need to dicuss it to really get the point.
The Kite Runner This was an amazing book. One of my favorites that I have read. I learned a lot not only about a diffferent culture but also about people in general. Hosseni's style of story telling kept me wanting to read more and more.
Peace Like a River A great story about a family from minnesota who sticks together even after their brother must go on the run to avoid punishment for kiling the two boys who hurt his sister. Filled with interesting characters its a really fun read
Wow... looking at all of the books you guys have read this summer I can truly deem myself unworthy. I only got through a couple.
The first novel I read was The Kite Runner. It blew me away and definitely is one of my favorites all-time. Khaled Hosseini intertwines longing, jealously, and redemption to create on of the greatest classics of modern literature.
The second novel/play was of course Ghosts. Yeah... I'm not really sure how I felt about this play. It was a good sleeping pill for combating jet-lag.
I started the Tempest on my trans-Atlantic voyages but the frequent beverage services and the enticement of free movies ultimately tamed my attention after an hour or so.
I too apologize for my insignificant list of books read this summer. I contemplated adding a few extra books to put me among the elite readers but then declined realizing that this would take extra time and effort, both actions that I do not believe in.
1. The Kite Runner I really enjoyed the kite runner. My favorite part about this book is how it was able to open my eyes to a whole new culture. A culture that shares some of the same beliefs but also disagrees with others. I also enjoyed how the author creates the story to follow the main character throughout his entire life.
2. Ghosts I'm not going to lie I never fully understood this book or the ideas in this book until we discussed it in class, however I am in the process of re-reading to search deeper.
3. Sybill I started to read sybill over the summer and loved it. I read a simmilar book, First Person Plural, my freshman year and truly enjoyed it. Both are stories that describe the life of a person with multiple personalitites. I truly enjoyed reading Sybill and finding the simmilarities between the two books, but was unable to finish the book due to the fact that school was starting and I needed to read two books before AP Lit.
This summer I was unable to read many of the books I would have liked to. I was, however, able to read Plainsong by Kent Haruf, A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson, Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen, and Be the Change by Zach Hunter. Plainsong is a novel detailing the lives of individuals with extremely different lifestyles, and how they come together. A Short History of Nearly Everything is a Biology novel that covers the mysteries of science and attmepts to present them in manner in which the common reader is able to understand and relate to. Ghosts was very interesting to me, and I found that it was a quick read. I enjoyed the symbolizm and the insight into the life of Mrs. Alving, her tendencies and her secrets. Finally, I loved Be the Change. Author Zach Hunter, age 15, offers advice and knowledge on how everyone has the power to change the world. Zach has been fighting world slavery since this young age and has been able to make a difference in the lives of many. He has spoken around the world and gained respect by many. This book proves that even the youngest of the population have the power to change the world if they only have the courage to take the first step.
1. Kite Runner This was by far one of the best books I read this summer. It was truly a haunting and extraordinary novel, with great themes.
2. Les Miserables Although this was a very long book, I found it captivating and stunning.
3. Wind, Sand, and Stars This book is written by Antonie De Saint-Exupery, and is a very enjoyable read. In this book you find profound meditations on friendship, war, truth, and existence itself. The book leaves the reader with the message that life is a mystery to be lived, we cannot be afraid to take a risk and to live a little dangerously. The ending of this book is wonderful!
4. Ghosts I found that this too was an enjoyable read, although some of it was a bit confusing. It was nice having such a quick read.
5. The Hidding Place I have always found this truimphant true story of Corrie Ten Boom a joy to read. The book tells the extraordinary adventure of Corrie, a Christian women who became a militant heroine of the anit-Nazi underground.
20 comments:
1. Forever in Blue
This one is in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. It was pretty good overall and a good way to end the series.
2. Never Have Your Dog Stuffed
Alan Alda's autobiography. It was very funny and I really loved reading it. There was so much about his life that I didn't know before reading it.
3. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
I read this to catch up for the seventh Harry Potter book and loved it as usual. I think this was the second or third time I've read it and it makes me cry every time.
4. Academy X
It's on my list of books that I've read, but to be honest I don't even remember it all that much.
5. Perfect Match
This one is by Jodi Picoult who is my favorite author, but I really didn't like this book. It was one of the very few that I disliked by her. It was about a child molestation case and then the mother of that child, who worked in the court, killed the man she thought did it. It stopped being about the child and the whole story revolved around the mother which I really disliked.
6.Ghosts
I actually liked this, but it was a bit confusing especially at the end.
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
7th book. It was pretty much amazing. I think I finished it in 3 or 4 days. Her writing style isn't my favorite, but the actual story is one of the best I've found.
8. Plainsong
This one was alright. I found it a bit hard to get through probably just because it was schoolwork over the summer, but overall it was pretty good. The characters were all interesting and the way he wove all their lives together was different than I have ever read.
9. The Nature of Jade
This one is by Deb Caletti who is a favorite author of mine from when I was younger. Her writing is really beautiful and I love some of her thoughts on teenage love and loss.
10. The Insiders
This is another one that I will forget rather quickly. It was just one of those to read for fun before school starts. Not all that interesting, but it kept me reading.
Fahrenheit 451
Interestingly a book about burning books. It held a somewhat haunting message about the future of society; especially in the portrayal of the viewing room.
Siddhartha
Very interesting account of the life of a monk who attained enlightenment. I have since read that the events in the story are different and am still trying to find the truth.
Ascent of Rum Doodle
As a satire directed at the large expedition climbing community it was very immusing and a light read.
Being Peace
Written about Ticht Nacht Hahn it discusses the ideals of Buddhism and how they are used to become "awakened" or understanding. This is also the source contradicting Siddhartha.
God Came Near
Written about experiences and events taking place in the life of a man attempting to understand his religion.
Ghosts
A slow play at the beginning, but it ended with a bang that was classic Ibsen style. I enjoyed the way in which Ibsen gave a false impression of innocence and then concluded by shattering the audience's misconcieved view of the characters.
Hedda Gabler
Very similar to Ghosts in the way that Ibsen is attempting to change the ideal of noble characters coming from noble families. He twists the role and persona of each character dramatically throughout the play in a way that exposes each individuals darker side. Similar to what he did in Ghosts, he switches from a sense of innocence to a sense of guilt with his characters
The Girls:
This novel followed two sisters through their lives as conjoined twins. I enjoyed seeing them overcome the many obstacles they faced and it was a fun summer read.
Dream When You're Feeling Blue:
Another fun summer read! The novel took place during WWII and was the story of three sisters and how they dealt with the war and living without the men they loved.
90 Minutes in Heaven:
This was an autobiography about a man who claimed to have died in a car crash, but was then revived after 90 minutes. To be honest, I don't think I finished, as I found it quite strange.
A Thousand Splendid Suns:
Khaled Hosseini's second novel was another interesting glimpse into the lives of Afghan children and their struggle to grow up in a world of turmoil. This one was about a young girl and follows her struggles and triumphs. I loved the book and couldn't put it down. It was very eye-opening and slightly difficult to read at times.
We Were the Mulvaney's:
I enjoyed the book although it was very slow in the beginning and never really got going. The plot was entertaining but the novel could have been about half as long.
Ghosts:
I enjoyed the play and found it quite easy to read, however, I feel as though I missed a lot and I was totally confused by the ending.
The Sun Also Rises:
I really enjoyed this novel set in the 1920's in France and Spain. It was short and sweet, yet very entertaining and beautifully written.
The Other Boelyn Girl:
I haven't yet finished this novel but so far it is wonderful! It is about Mary Boelyn, the sister to King Henry's Anne Boelyn and her place in the English court. It is very interesting, especially considering it deals with information we just covered in western civ, and it is a novel full of romance and scandle to keep one entertained.
Some of my favorite books that I read over this summer were A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, and My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult.
When I first picked up A Thousand Splendid Suns, I was expecting a sequel to the Kite Runner. However, I found that the characters and plot line is entirely different from the Kite Runner. Despite this difference, the underlying struggle for peace and freedom in Afghanistan was prevalent in both novels. I liked how in A Thousand Splendid Suns Hosseini focuses in on the hardships faced by Afghani women. Through the eyes of Mariam, a teenager who struggles through an abusive marriage with an older man, Rasheed, Hosseini unveils the opression faced by Afghani women under the Taliban's rule.
Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books that I have read several times. I love how Bronte creates a stunning plot with some victorian and gothic elements centered around the life of an oprhan named Jane Eyre as she transforms from a small child living in her aunt's care to a successful governess.
Finally, My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult is a stunning book about thirteen-year-old Anna Fitzgerald who was concieved to be a donor for her older sister, Kate Fitzgerald, who has a rare form of lukemia. When Anna is asked to donate a kidney to her sister, she takes a heated lawsuit against her parents for rights over her own body. Throughout this novel, Picoult raises questions over the ethics of medical technology, parenthood, friendship, family, and love. By writing from a variety of character's perspectives, Picoult creates a compelling plot twisted with a roller coaster of emotions. This book is one of my favorites because I love Picoult's writing style and how she depicts the character's emotions with detail and accuracy to make the story more intriguing.
I am in progress of reading The Elegant Universe, by Brian Greene, which deals with all sorts of physics-related material and truly groundbreaking theories. Elegant Universe is extremely interesting and presented in layman terms (It could be a lot worse).
The Tempest, by William Shakespeare is one of my favorite plays by Shakespeare. It is intriguing and also funny at some points. Great for an eclectic reader.
The Book, by Alan Watts, is a philosophical collection that makes one rethink the simplest actions in life such as balls in space, why we do what we do and relativity. It is Great for someone who enjoys an interesting perspective about god and our world. Not a great book for devout religious members.
The Fabric of the Cosmos, by Brian Greene. Again, it is similar to Elegant Universe, with diagrams and fascinating discoveries. Science related.
And Ghosts of course, a bit too slow moving for me. I read the first 58 pages and lost intrest and had to return it to the library where it was on hold for someone else.
The Tempest:
This short play by William Shakespeare was a great read. I enjoyed the numerous uses of magic and monsters and instantly made many connections to both Beowulf and A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Ghosts:
I enjoyed the radical notions brought forth within this work and imagining how they must have been viewed when first printed. This was an interesting piece and has a great climax in the last act.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows:
I have read all the Harry Potter books and found this one to be just as amazing if not better than it's predecesors. Knowing that with every turn of the page I would be closer to finding out the ending, an exhilerating read.
Eldest:
I was a big fan of Eragon, and so I like to keep sharp on the two books until their sequal comes out. I lived in Montana for two years so knowing a 15 year old Montanian wrote this trilogy was awesome. This book is big on fiction and fantasy
Phantoms:
This is a horror by Dean Koontz, I love scaring myself with movies and books so this psychological thriller provided the adrenaline rush I love to feel.
A Short History of Nearly Everything:
I read this book for my AP Biology class. It is a very interesting book, pushing for ideas such as seperating from the norm and not trusting other's answers. It explains the history of everything, per the title. It starts out before the big bang and continues through evolution up to nowdays describing everything scientifically in between.
When The Wind Blows:
This was written by James Patterson and is probably my favorite book, it is a thriller featuring a topic of genetics and where it may take us. Although displayed in a strictly fictional manner the author does make a point to explain that the main character's genetic modifications are actually possible today. Even going so far as to cite a doctor who says he is confident that he could accomplish the task.
I’d like to start off by saying that I am sorry for my puny list and that Mrs. Makovsky is beautiful.
East of Eden: When asked to comment on the novel Steinbeck was reported to have said, “I think everything else I have written has been, in a sense, practice for this.” After reading his most beloved work it is easy to see why. The breathtaking language and rich philosophy alone make East of Eden a monument of literary achievement. However, as much as I enjoyed the ideas Steinbeck presents, the plot itself seems markedly mundane. Though life rarely provides us with the glorious triumphs and tragadies conveyed in literature, the story failed, in my opinion, to go beyond the ordinary lives of somewhat unexceptional people.
A Short History of Nearly Everything: Bill Bryson’s national bestseller was an exceptionally boring read tied together by a web of inescapable digressions. I wouldn’t recommend this book unless you really love science and really hate excitement.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: The Last of Rowling’s epic series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was a whirlwind of literary entertainment and escape. Indeed what Harry Potter lacks in philosophical and poetic content, it more than makes up for in excitement.
1. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
I read this one to refresh my memory in time for the fifth movie. It's amazing how each time you read a book again and again things keep popping up that you never noticed before!
2. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Read it to refresh my memory in time for the release of the seventh book. It hit me exactly the same way it did when I read it the first time--Rowling's writing just does that to some people! I guess that's why she's one of my favorite authors.
3. Frankenstien
I'll be completely honest. This book is extrememly depressing. But it really has a good message in that it describes what potential outcomes man's curiosity and wayward obsessions could have on posterity and on his own life. It really hit me in that it showed a different perspective from what I'd expected. Sometimes I didn't know who the villian was, but one thing's for sure: I loved the book and would highly recommend it.
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
OH WOW. This book is definitely my all time favorite of the series. The emotional roller coaster it takes you through is unlike anything experienced in real life. It's an amazing piece of literature.
5. A Short History of Nearly Everything
I had to read this book for AP Biology as well and overall it was really interesting. Some parts of the book were a little dull, but everyone has their own interests and I know that there is something in here everyone will like. Bryson's analogies were my all time favorite part! His comparison's really allowed me to see how so many ideas and objects go unnoticed by man, and yet they play such a huge role in our lives.
6. The Kite Runner
I think I loved this book so much because a lot of the culture was relateable. Even though many of the characters spoke Farsi, a lot of the words in both Hindi and Farsi are the same and I never knew that until I read this book. It really puts things in perspective, especially for a person like me who doesn't know too much about the foriegn going-ons. Overall the story and its multiple meanings were beyond amazing and I would definitely recommend this book. I'm waiting impatiently to read A Thousand Splendid Suns.
7. Ghosts
I am still relatively confused about the purpose of this play. It was pretty easy to read, but I think discussing it after reading it is the best way to understand what Ibsen is trying to portray through his characters, but it isn't my favorite piece of literature so far.
1. The Kite Runner- I absolutely love this book and this was the second time I have read it, but I still could not put it down. His writing style and descriptive details amaze me every time.
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- This book totally blew me away and I think it was Rowling's perfect ending to this series. The way she draws you in to the text so much that you cannot put this book down truly displays her talent.
3. Ghosts- While this wasn't the most interesting of books to begin I actually started to get caught up in the plot when I read it for the second time. The characters are so deep, I am looking forward to discussing it!
4. Jane Eyre- It was a long read, but well worth it! I can now absolutely appreciate why it is a classic.
5.Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony- I really liked this series although it isn't that advanced... And I thought this book was one of the best yet!
6. The Yiddish Policeman's Union- I found this book off the bestseller list and was blown away by the intensity of the topic. Chabon's writing style is bland at times but very informative.
7. The Golden Compass- I really liked this book and I plan to finish the rest of the story, but the plot is so detailed, yet it is still very easy to follow along.
Ghosts:
It started off slow but picked up once the truths came out and I liked how this play exposed the characters for who they really were.
Hamlet:
I loved the interactions between the characters and Hamlet's struggle with revenge.
The Tempest:
I liked how Shakespeare uses magic in his plays but the ending was disappointing.
A Short History of Nearly Everything:
Bill Bryson's humor makes even the dullest science subjects interesting and he really opened my eyes to how much hard work was put into getting where we are today in understanding the world around us even though there is still so much left to learn.
The Memory Keeper's Daughter
Not bad...about a father who gave his autistic child away at birth and kept her "normal" twin. Interesting story and easy read though I feel so spoiled with literature....how can I read anything but the classics and dense literature?!
The Sun Also Rises
A Hemingway that I really enjoyed. The language was easy but the content rich. Reminded me lots of Gatsby with it's glitz and glammour and underneath a dark life.
Ghosts
Quick and easy and so rich in symbolism and interpretations. Really enjoyed Ibsen's style of writing.
A Short History of Nearly Everything
AP Bio...an ok book as far as geology and astronomy and old scientists go. :)
Sense and Sensibility
Started just before school began. I love Jane Austen, so this has been the next on my list for a long time. So far it's about 3 sisters that are all very different in which one is a stereotypical, passionate, female and the other is strong and intelligent and outspoken.
This summer I didn't spend as much time as I would have liked reading... but i did read Ghosts, The Sun Also Rises, and the beginning of Harry Potter 7.
Ghosts was interesting because I was never to impressed by it until we wrote about it in class then I realized how deeply I could look into it and then I started to like it more. The Sun Also Rises by Hemmingway wasn't my favorite because I found it boring and hard to stay focused on. It seemed to me that I was reading the life story of a man, but just the two month (or so), part when he was figuring out how to get deeper and deeper into the hole of life that he was already in. Sorry if you liked it (Cayla) but I liked it almost as little as I liked The Loved One, which many of you know that I loathed that book entirely. Harry Potter is Harry Potter, so it's a good book, but not really up to the standards of AP English Literature and Composition, but it's always fun. If anyone has read it, please don't ruin the ending like the freshmen in the library on the first day of school almost did...
So that was more or less the extent of my summer reading rather than the reading i did of my AP test scores... yay AP!!!
Ghosts
I actually enjoyed this play, and not just because it was short. I thought the plot was interesting and the characters were realistic.
The Kite Runner
The way that the book is written is so beautiful, even despite some of the ugly story lines. This book really touched me.
Bringing Down the House
This is a novel about the MIT students who started card counting at casinos to make money. It was actually a very entertaining book and makes me appreciate the nerdy math classes that I am currently taking.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
It's all that and more.
Through out the summer I read many books but the ones that I enjoyed the most are the following:
1. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
In this book Amir desperately tries to find himself all while pleasing his father and obeying the rules and culture of his Afghan society. This book tells of the hardships and awful truths that both the people of Afghanistan and Amir endure while growing up.
2. Better Than Running at Night by Hillary Frank
Ellie or Ladybug, as her birth certificate says, has struggled though high school and is now trying to move past her old ways and transform into a new person in her New England art school. This book tells of her struggles trying to find herself and her growing into someone she has wanted to be.
3. My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
My Sister’s Keeper is about a loving sister, Ann, who was genetically conceived only to provide her sister, Kate, with a DNA match to help cure her leukemia and how Ann sues her parents to stop making her have transplants and surgeries. This book pulls at your emotions by showing each family member’s ideas toward the situation and then finishes off with the surprising ending.
4. Forever in Blue by Ann Brashares
This fourth book in the series The Traveling Pants ends in showing the girls that their bond lies deeper than the pants. They discover what it is to be true friends and keep in touch through everything that happens, no matter what.
Ghosts
It was an easy read but a little confusing. It had interesting characters but I need to dicuss it to really get the point.
The Kite Runner
This was an amazing book. One of my favorites that I have read. I learned a lot not only about a diffferent culture but also about people in general. Hosseni's style of story telling kept me wanting to read more and more.
Peace Like a River
A great story about a family from minnesota who sticks together even after their brother must go on the run to avoid punishment for kiling the two boys who hurt his sister.
Filled with interesting characters its a really fun read
Wow... looking at all of the books you guys have read this summer I can truly deem myself unworthy. I only got through a couple.
The first novel I read was The Kite Runner. It blew me away and definitely is one of my favorites all-time. Khaled Hosseini intertwines longing, jealously, and redemption to create on of the greatest classics of modern literature.
The second novel/play was of course Ghosts. Yeah... I'm not really sure how I felt about this play. It was a good sleeping pill for combating jet-lag.
I started the Tempest on my trans-Atlantic voyages but the frequent beverage services and the enticement of free movies ultimately tamed my attention after an hour or so.
I too apologize for my insignificant list of books read this summer. I contemplated adding a few extra books to put me among the elite readers but then declined realizing that this would take extra time and effort, both actions that I do not believe in.
1. The Kite Runner
I really enjoyed the kite runner. My favorite part about this book is how it was able to open my eyes to a whole new culture. A culture that shares some of the same beliefs but also disagrees with others. I also enjoyed how the author creates the story to follow the main character throughout his entire life.
2. Ghosts
I'm not going to lie I never fully understood this book or the ideas in this book until we discussed it in class, however I am in the process of re-reading to search deeper.
3. Sybill
I started to read sybill over the summer and loved it. I read a simmilar book, First Person Plural, my freshman year and truly enjoyed it. Both are stories that describe the life of a person with multiple personalitites. I truly enjoyed reading Sybill and finding the simmilarities between the two books, but was unable to finish the book due to the fact that school was starting and I needed to read two books before AP Lit.
Makenzie said...
This summer I was unable to read many of the books I would have liked to. I was, however, able to read Plainsong by Kent Haruf, A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson, Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen, and Be the Change by Zach Hunter. Plainsong is a novel detailing the lives of individuals with extremely different lifestyles, and how they come together. A Short History of Nearly Everything is a Biology novel that covers the mysteries of science and attmepts to present them in manner in which the common reader is able to understand and relate to.
Ghosts was very interesting to me, and I found that it was a quick
read. I enjoyed the symbolizm and the insight into the life of Mrs. Alving, her tendencies and her secrets.
Finally, I loved Be the Change. Author Zach Hunter, age 15, offers
advice and knowledge on how everyone has the power to change the world. Zach has been fighting world slavery since this young age and has been able to make a difference in the lives of many. He has spoken around the world and gained respect by many. This book proves that even the youngest of the population have the power to change the world if they only have the courage to take the first step.
1. Kite Runner
This was by far one of the best books I read this summer. It was truly a haunting and extraordinary novel, with great themes.
2. Les Miserables
Although this was a very long book, I found it captivating and stunning.
3. Wind, Sand, and Stars
This book is written by Antonie De Saint-Exupery, and is a very enjoyable read. In this book you find profound meditations on friendship, war, truth, and existence itself. The book leaves the reader with the message that life is a mystery to be lived, we cannot be afraid to take a risk and to live a little dangerously. The ending of this book is wonderful!
4. Ghosts
I found that this too was an enjoyable read, although some of it was a bit confusing. It was nice having such a quick read.
5. The Hidding Place
I have always found this truimphant true story of Corrie Ten Boom a joy to read. The book tells the extraordinary adventure of Corrie, a Christian women who became a militant heroine of the anit-Nazi underground.
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