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One of the books that I enjoyed reading this year was 'This is where it ends' by dutch author Marieke Nijkamp. The book, set in the timespan of 54 minutes, follows the tale of a school shooting in Opportunity, Alabama. The book is written from four main characters points of view during the event.

What did I like?

Because of the small timeframe in which the book is set, it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Marieke has done an incredible job at breaking down 54 minutes into a detailed emotional rollercoaster. The book brings awareness to shootings.

What did I not like?

Although I enjoyed this book, for others it could be too graphic or triggering, considering it talks about a heavy topic. Sometimes it was also slightly confusing considering it came from four points of view.

Recommendation

I would recommend this book to people who are over 14, since it could be a difficult book to read and understand to those who are younger. It also deals with graphic descriptions which would not be appropriate to younger audiences.

Why did the author write this book?

I think the author wanted to bring awareness to the many shootings that unfortunately take lives every year in schools in America. The book puts you into the shoes of scared students, teachers, and parents.

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Review of Powerless by Lauren Roberts

Why did you like it?
I liked Powerless because it offers a fresh perspective on the superhero genre, focusing on characters who face real-life challenges while also dealing with extraordinary circumstances. The emotional depth and character development stood out, making it easy to connect with the characters.

What parts were good?
The exploration of the protagonist's journey, self-discovery, and dealing with powers that come with great responsibility was well done. The relationships between the characters, particularly the bond between friends, were also compelling.

What parts were not so good?
The pacing felt slow at times, especially when it came to the buildup of the plot. Some parts felt repetitive, which made the story drag a little.

Would you recommend this book to other people?
Yes, I would recommend it to readers who enjoy stories with moral dilemmas, complex characters, and a mix of fantasy and real-world issues.

Who do you think would like this book?
This book would appeal to readers who enjoy stories about personal growth, challenges, and superheroes. It would especially resonate with young adults or those who like speculative fiction with emotional depth.

Why do you think the author wrote this book?
I believe the author wrote Powerless to explore the themes of identity, power, and responsibility, and how people cope with both the gifts and burdens that come with extraordinary abilities.

What do you think is the author’s opinion about the events of the book? Do you agree?
The author seems to believe that having power comes with moral responsibilities, and that it’s important to understand one's limitations. I agree with this perspective, as the story highlights how power can be both a blessing and a curse.

Are there any other books you would compare it to?
I would compare it to The Unbeatable Squirrel comics by Ryan North, which blend humor, heroism, and personal growth. It’s also reminiscent of X-Men for its themes of identity and powers.

Is it written for a particular age range?
Yes, Powerless is written for a young adult audience, likely best suited for readers aged 14 and up due to its mature themes and emotional depth.

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Book Review: The Catcher in the Rye

J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye is a book that really stuck with me because it felt so real and honest.

What I Liked

I loved how the book captures the messy, confusing parts of growing up. Holden’s thoughts about people being “phony” and his longing to protect innocence, like with his little sister Phoebe, were really touching.

What I Didn’t Like

Sometimes, Holden’s negativity got a bit much. He can be frustrating at times, and certain parts of the book felt slow because of that.

Would I Recommend It?

Yes, especially to teenagers or young adults. It’s the kind of book that makes you think about life, growing up, and figuring out who you are. But if you prefer action-packed stories, this might not be for you.

Who Would Enjoy It?

Anyone who’s ever felt a little out of place or struggled to find where they fit in. It’s perfect for people who like character-focused, emotional stories.

Why Did the Author Write It?

I think Salinger wanted to show what it feels like to grow up and not really fit in with the world around you. He seems to care about people like Holden—those who feel lost—and wants us to understand them.

Books It Reminds Me Of

It’s a bit like The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky because both books dive into the minds of young people trying to figure things out.

Who It’s For

Even though it’s usually read by teenagers, I think adults can appreciate it too—especially if they’re looking back on their own teen years.

Overall, it’s a heartfelt and thought-provoking read that’s stuck with me long after I finished it.

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Favourite book read in 2024:

1984 by George Orwell

I love the descriptions and how the book made me think and challenged me a bit. I liked seeing Winston's complex., rebellious thoughts and dreams. There was also something in the book that happened which was very sudden, and maybe for some people unexpected, but I won't spoil it. The book shows that even in the most oppressive, censored, brainwashed societies there are still a lot of people who understand what is happening to them but it is hard to find each other. It was interesting to read a dystopian novel. I originally got recommended this book by English VHAP in grade 7 and really wanted to read it and I wasn’t disappointed. However there is a tedious section in the middle where the main character Winston is reading a book which spans multiple pages, and it was pretty hard to get through that part.The book is not too gory but maintains a bleak mood through its descriptions. I would probably recommend it to 12 and over- I think younger kids might not understand or get bored. I heard George Orwell was inspired to write this book by Yevgeny Zamyatin’s “We”, but maybe it was also a commentary on certain governments existing during the time, or a warning. I think it would have similarities to other dystopian novels but I haven’t read many myself. The book gives interesting ideas so I would recommend people reading it although I have heard some people say it’s boring, so I wouldn’t expect it to be for everyone. I also like and find it interesting that the main character, Winston, is not portrayed as special, heroic, or even a very likeable person- he is an ordinary man trapped in a dystopian society and is one of the people who despises it as he has seen what life could be like, with the few years of freedom in his childhood. I liked how the book dived right into the bleak description and told us about Big Brother and the party slogans. I think the book discusses points of itself, saying things like Big Brother may not even be real- he may just be a face to create a charismatic leader or even “God”(although worship of God is of course illegal), mentioning no one has even seen big brother. I was also surprised that even though the book was written long ago, in 1948, the vocabulary and the way of writing was pretty much the same as how someone would talk today, except for the new slang, making the book easier and more enjoyable to read.

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Book recommendation: Divergent

1. I liked Divergent because it had an exciting plot with lots of action and interesting characters.

2. The good parts were the action scenes, the choices Tris had to make, and the world-building. It was interesting to learn about the different factions.

3. Some parts were predictable, and sometimes the romance felt a little forced or cheesy.

4. Yes, I would recommend it to people who like action, dystopian stories, and a strong main character.

5. Teenagers and young adults who enjoy adventure.

6. I think the author wanted to explore themes like identity, freedom, and the consequences of a divided society.

7. The author seems to suggest that no one should be limited by labels or forced into one role. I agree with this message because everyone is unique.

8. I would compare this book to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and The Maze Runner by James Dashner.

9. Yes, it’s written for young adults (teenagers), but anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction might enjoy it.

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THE SILENT PATIENT:

I enjoyed The Silent Patient for its gripping psychological suspense, compelling mystery, and unexpected twist that redefines the entire story. Alicia Berenson’s silence and the reasons behind her actions are captivating, while Theo Faber’s perspective as a psychotherapist adds depth to the narrative. The twist at the end is shocking and satisfying, though some may find the pacing uneven or the plausibility of the twist a bit stretched. Fans of psychological thrillers like Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train would likely enjoy this book, as well as readers who appreciate stories about trauma, silence, and human behaviour. Alex Michaelides seems to use the story to explore themes of guilt, trauma, and redemption, influenced by his background in psychotherapy and love for Greek tragedies, and I agree with his portrayal of the complexities of human psychology. I’d recommend this book to adults and older teens, particularly those who enjoy intricate plots and unreliable narrators, although some secondary characters could have been more developed.