The Kite Runner

Written by Khaled Hosseini

A book for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Caitlin

        

The Kite Runner, written and published by Khaled Hosseini in 2003, tells the story of Amir from his time as a young boy living in Kabul, Afghanistan to when he is forced to leave his country and immigrate to the United States when Afghanistan is no longer safe. The second half of the novel centers on Amir returning to Afghanistan and helping his childhood friend’s son escape from the country.

The Kite Runner does not pull any punches with its gritty, depressingly realistic portrayal of Kabul and the Taliban’s control over it. It showcases themes such as racism, the search for redemption, and the effects of childhood sexual assault with the seriousness and nuance that they deserve. This is a worthy read for anyone who believes they can handle it.

The Bronze Bow

Written by Elizabeth George Speare

A book for readers in grades 5 and up reviewed by Ciara

        

The Bronze Bow is set in first century Galilee, Israel. The main character is Daniel Bar Jamin, who lives in the same time as Jesus. Daniel learns how to forgive the Romans after they kill his father.

Overall, The Bronze Bow is great in teaching people how we should always forgive. However, it’s very wordy and quite hard to understand at times.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Written by Harper Lee

A book for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Nicholas

        

To Kill a Mockingbird is the story of a young girl’s coming-of-age story during the 1930s. The novel dives into the darker sides of America, including the consequences of racism. The plot shows how good and evil can coexist within one person, as well as society itself.

I liked reading To Kill a Mockingbird very much. It is one of the most famous and influential novels of its time. It can help give readers a real perspective of prejudice.

The Crucible

Written by Arthur Miller

A book for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Patrick

    

The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a story that takes place during the Salem Witch Trials. It is about a girl who falsely accuses a woman of being a witch for her own benefit. She uses the religious biases of the courts and others' fear of witches to her advantage in ruining a couple's lives.

I personally enjoyed this book because of how it can relate to people now. It shows that everyone can lie and manipulate others in order to get what they want. I also liked how it showed the community’s panic and fear, as well as how their fear caused them to make radical decisions.

An Elephant in the Garden

Written by Michael Morpurgo

A book for readers in grades 5 and up reviewed by Donavan

        

An Elephant in the Garden is told from the perspective of Elizabeth, an elderly woman who looks back on her experiences as a young girl living in Dresden during World War II. Elizabeth's mother works at the local zoo, and when the city is bombed, she is tasked with caring for Marlene, the zoo's beloved elephant. Together, Elizabeth, her mother, and Marlene embark on a perilous journey across war-torn Germany, encountering many challenges and dangers along the way.

Overall, An Elephant in the Garden is a touching and emotional story that explores themes of courage, resilience, and compassion in the face of adversity. The novel is well-written and engaging, and its historical setting adds an important dimension to the story. For anyone interested in World War II history, animal stories, or heartwarming tales of survival and friendship, it is a great read.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Written by John Boyne

A book for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Jackson

        

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a story about two young boys. One is the son of a high-ranking Nazi soldier and the other is a boy of the same age in a concentration camp. We learn about the Holocaust in this book, but in a very different way. The paths of these two boys cross, and what happens opens your eyes to how awful the Holocaust was. The book also shows how many people really didn’t know what was going on.

I read The Boy in the Striped Pajamas in school, and it really affected me. It was very good and very sad. What’s weird is that I was glad the Nazi soldier got to see what it was like to lose a child, but I was very sad to see what happened. I know the story is fictional, but it brought you right to where this was all happening. If you want to not only learn about the Holocaust but really feel it, this is a book for you.

Slaughterhouse-Five, or, The Children's Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death

Written by Kurt Vonnegut

A book for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Amin

        

Slaughterhouse 5, or, The Children's Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death by Kurt Vonnegut begins as the author reflects on his time in the war and the period after that. His inspiration to write the book unfolds in the following chapter. The book jumps around the life of Billy Pilgrim, its main character. It goes from his youth to his time in the army and war, then to his post-war life.

During his post-war life, Billy experiences the harsh debts that the war has laid upon his well-being. He imagines himself getting abducted by aliens and living a life with another woman to then come back to reality. Due to Billy’s biased personal accounts, no one knows if what is happening is real or not (although it probably isn't). Whether or not he is telling the truth or lying is ambiguous, but it sure does make for a great story.

Slaughterhouse 5, or, The Children's Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death’s jumpiness can be jarring for many. But, when I was caught up with all that was happening, it personally kept me wanting more and was entertaining. Kurt Vonnegut’s language and tone are very casual, so it makes up for the confusion in the timeline of events. The book is comparable to accounts from veterans, war films (not those cheesy ones like Rambo, but ones like 1917 and Dunkirk that are more realistic), and other biographical war novels. This book introduced me to the world of Vonnegut's literature, and I will always remember it for that reason. On a scale from 1 to 10, I would give it a solid 9.

The Grapes of Wrath

Written by John Steinbeck

A book for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Patrick

        

The Grapes of Wrath is a story about how a family of tenant farmers, the Joads, have to leave their home in Oklahoma during the Great Depression. Because Oklahoma was covered in dust and experiencing a drought, most of its farmers were struggling to make money. The Joad family decides to move to California to get their lives back on track, but face hardships and struggles along the way.

 

I did not enjoy The Grapes of Wrath because the old Southern slang that was used was difficult to read. The book was also very boring at times, making it difficult to pay attention to detail. Additionally, it was filled with unnecessary details that had nothing to do with the storyline.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Written by V.E. Schwab

A book for adult readers reviewed by Jenna

        

Addie LaRue is a woman who desires more than the simple life that her family has chosen for her. She was told to never pray to the gods after dark. However, she does one night out of desperation and hopelessness. She prays for freedom and more time in her life, but is cursed to a lifetime of being forgotten by everyone she meets. For 300 years, Addie lives a life of despair and loneliness until she finally meets the first person who remembers her.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is my all-time favorite book! It is a very beautiful story with characters that you really fall in love with. The love that the author wrote between two of the characters is something that I have never experienced before, and their relationship opened a part of me that I will never forget. The writing is beautiful and the plot as a whole is emotionally touching. I was captivated from start to finish.

The Scarlet Letter

Written by Nathaniel Hawthorne

A book for readers in grades 11 and up reviewed by Joseph

    

The Scarlet Letter centers around the harsh consequences of a puritan town and how breaking tradition causes Hester Prynne to have to wear a symbol of her transgressions in public. The book follows the mystery of her daughter's conception and past family relationships. Hester must learn to raise her daughter without letting her past affect her future.

 

The Scarlet Letter is written in an older style, which may cause some readers to lose the meaning of what is being said. However, the plot’s revelations about Hester Prynne’s past are captivating. Overall, this is a good book that explores the misconceptions about evil and guilt that were once held in society.

A Thousand Splendid Suns

Written by Khaled Hosseini

A book for adult readers reviewed by Lauren

        

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is a chilling story about the harsh realities of women living in Afghanistan. It is told through the alternating perspectives of Mariam and Laila, the wives of a cruel man named Rasheed who abuses them. Despite their initial dislike towards one another, they bond through their shared trauma and experiences, which allows them to build a sense of family despite their struggles and losses.

This novel is heartbreaking and emotional, as it depicts the harsh realities of living under Afghanistan's oppressive rule. Additionally, it details the realities of life during wartime through the eyes of two unassuming women and their battle for freedom. The characters and their stories are moving, and it is impossible not to emphasize with their struggles and bravery during difficult times.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Written by Taylor Jenkins Reid

A book for adult readers reviewed by Lauren

        

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid tells the captivating story of Hollywood actress Evelyn Hugo and her rise to fame through ruthless ambition and unwavering talent. The book shifts between modern times and her rise to stardom in the 1950s as she details her life story to a reporter, Monique Grant. During her rise to fame, Evelyn meets another Hollywood actress, Celia St. James, who she forms a secret relationship with despite the intense bigotry of the time. To safeguard themselves, as well as their relationship during a period characterized by Hollywood splendor and blatant homophobia, Evelyn is willing to do whatever it takes, including marrying men she does not love.

This novel is an empowering story that brings light to the hardships that members of the LGBTQ community face, as well as the strength that it takes to overcome these obstacles while in the limelight. Despite the flaws that each character has, it is impossible not to grow to love and root for them.

I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912

Written by Lauren Tarshis

A book for readers in grades 3 and up reviewed by Christian

    

I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic is about a boy named George, who is traveling with his little sister and aunt on the Titanic. George happily explores the Titanic. But, when the ship hits an iceberg, everything goes haywire.

This book was interesting because I watched the Titanic movie with Leonardo DiCaprio and loved it. Lauren Tarshis’ vivid descriptions were amazing. It felt as if she had been on the Titanic herself.

I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916

Written by Lauren Tarshis

A book for readers in grades 3 and up reviewed by Christian

        

 

I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 takes place in New Jersey in the year 1916. The main protagonist is Chet, an average kid with average friends who like to joke around. One day, a bull shark is found nearby. When swimming in the local creek, Chet comes face-to-face with the shark. 

I like this book because it was cool and gave me something to do with my time. I love learning, and the information in the book was important because it detailed shark attacks that took place in our country.

I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005

Written by Lauren Tarshis

A book for readers in grades 3 and up reviewed by Christian

        

I Survived Hurricane Katrina is about Barry and his family trying to flee New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina hits. But, they end up trapped, and the storm completely floods New Orleans.

I loved this book because I didn't know much about hurricanes other than Hurricane Sandy, which devastated New York. Overall, it was interesting to learn about another person's experience during a hurricane.

Refugee

Written by Alan Gratz

A book for readers in grades 4 and up reviewed by Donavan

        

Refugee details the lives of three kids in difficult circumstances and how they escaped from them. It is about Isabelle, a Cuban girl escaping Castro’s reign, Mahmoud, a Syrian child trying to escape from a conflict in his country, and Josef, a child trapped in Nazi Germany who is trying to run away to safety with his family.

I loved Refugee because it is very thrilling. It illustrates thought-provoking situations that took my breath away. At a lot of moments, the book stressed me out. It showed me what other people have gone through and made me more grateful for what I have. I was so happy with the ending and where the characters’ stories connected.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Written by Taylor Jenkins Reid

A book for adult readers reviewed by Caitlin

    

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo tells the story of Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo. Until now, no one has ever seen inside Evelyn’s glamorous and intriguing life. But, when she chooses reporter Monique Grant to write her biography, we see how their lives have become entangled. 

I have such a strong love for The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. It has its funny moments, yet can also make you cry. The way it depicts Evelyn’s life and shows how it was behind the curtains can make you view Hollywood differently. This book is extremely well written and made me feel for the characters.

The Kite Runner

Written by Khaled Hosseini

A book for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Joseph

    

The Kite Runner begins in post-war Afghanistan with a wealthy boy named Amir, his father, and their servants. Although the servants are looked down upon in society, they are family to Amir and his father. Eventually, personal tragedy and a war separate the two families, leading to regret and guilt. In adulthood, Amir must face his demons in order to preserve the honor of his childhood friend and former servant, Hassan.

The Kite Runner is an exploration of friendship and the bonds of brotherhood. The concept of family being connected by more than just blood can be understood in the modern era, where people fear loneliness. Understanding how to forgive after trauma, such as the betrayal Hassan faced through Amir, can help everyone become more united and compassionate. This is a great story and a must read.

Salt to the Sea

Written by Ruta Sepetys

A book for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Emily

    

Salt to the Sea is a story following four young narrators, who share their experiences fleeing from their home countries due to the terrors of World War II. The narrators include Joana, a Lithuanian nurse, Florian, an East Prussian restoration artist, Emilia, a fifteen-year-old girl from Poland, and Alfred, a German sailor assigned to the port of Gotenhafen.

On their journey to West Germany, Joana, Florian, and Emilia make their way to the port of Gotenhafen, where Alfred prepares a ship for evacuation. They reveal secrets and find love along the way, all the while experiencing various trials and tribulations.

I truly enjoyed Salt to the Sea and would recommend it to all. It opened my eyes to the horrors that hundreds of thousands of people had to face to escape violence during World War II. Through unique narrators who share their personal journeys, this book informs readers about the history of World War II.

The Personal Librarian

Written by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

A book for adult readers reviewed by Stefanie

    

In The Personal Librarian, Belle da Costa Greene, who was hired by J.P. Morgan to curate manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built library, has a secret. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, a civil rights activist who was Harvard University’s first black graduate. However, his wife claimed their family was white. This tore their family apart, so Richard eventually left his wife and children, who changed their surname to “Greene.” To pass as white, Belle, who added “da Costa” to her last name, claimed to have Portuguese ancestors as a way of explaining her complexion.

I picked this book because I wanted to read something different. It’s not usually the kind of book I read, but it was interesting. This story was really different and offered an interesting perspective.