https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om Share your thoughts en-us 2019-05-22 18:07:33 UTC 2025-11-10 18:41:37 UTC hello@padlet.com https://imgglb.padletcdn.com/v13/image?t=g_auto&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpadlet.net%2Ficons%2Fpng%2F1f4eb.png christie_mccormick https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/362663340 This book is science and social science nonfiction. It is a really interesting, easy-to-read account of our relationship to food--how it is produced, what draws us to certain foods, how our food choices affect social and environmental systems. Pollan's style is informal and relatable. He makes me think without preaching to me. I really enjoyed this book.

]]> 2019-05-22 18:16:45 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/362663340 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/447866163 This book is a Fantasy Romance novel about what life could of been like is America was a monarchy and not a democracy. I really liked this book it had the perfect blend of romance and royal duty cliches. I personally like this type of novel and despite some parts being a little too cliche I felt as though the author put in enough twists to mix it up. Also the book had a really interesting take on the other reality’s political front.]]> 2020-02-20 04:48:37 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/447866163 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/448348999 Set during and after Franco's dictatorship in Spain, the story follows Daniel Matheson, the son of a wealthy Texas oil family, and Ana, an employee at the hotel where the Mathesons stay while in Spain. Sepetys seamlessly weaves details about life under Franco into the action of the story, including a very secret adoption scheme that took infants from their non-Franco-supporting families and placed them with Franco loyalist families instead. The story includes romance, bull fighting, family obligation, murder, and a little bit of mystery. I couldn't stop listening!]]> 2020-02-20 22:10:33 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/448348999 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/448884940 The final installment in the “To All the Boys...” series, Always and Forever, Lara Jean is a conclusion to the main characters journey through high school. The story follows Lara Jean 1 year after the events of the first and second book, so this book has a slightly different feel than the first books, showing Lara Jean as a more mature point of view to read from. Taking place in the middle of her senior year, Lara Jean is really happy with her life. She has great friends and a great boyfriend, and is making plans for college. But soon, Lara Jean gets some news that throws a wrench in all of her carefully laid plans, and needs to re-evaluate her future and what she wants. The rest of the story follows Lara Jean making peace with change and learning to grow, and the book meant a lot to me personally because, like Lara Jean, right now we as students are all going through the same things she did. Always and Forever, Lara Jean is a really heartwarming story I’d recommend to anyone (but read the first two book first!).]]> 2020-02-21 23:11:12 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/448884940 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/451663016 The fellowship of the ring is a story about good vs evil, good always wins. This is the first book in the Lord Of The Rings Series. So Frodo receives a ring from his cousin Bilbo and faces many trails after taking it. He must leave home and travel. He makes it to Rivendell and gets the task of destroying the ring. Him Sam, Merry, Pippen, Gandalf, Aragon, Bormir, Legolas, and Gilmi set off. They face many obstacles and breakthrough. In the end the group breaks apart and the story continues in the next book. 
The book starts out slow but speeds up in the middle of the book. I think the second book may be more in stressing because there is more action. I do recommend this book.


]]> 2020-02-27 20:24:27 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/451663016 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/453130120 (Destin Cervantez)
The Iranian Revolution was written by Brendan January who tells the history of the Revolution itself. Firstly the people were tired of the rich shah(king) and overthrew him. A man named Khomeini took control and appointed leaders. Khomeini Prut sharia law in Iran and under the new rule people were more poor and a lot of chaos was happening. Some people took over a US embassy and held US citizens captive for over a year. This books capture the history of Iran’s Revolution, the deep rich history of Iran.]]> 2020-03-02 18:00:15 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/453130120 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/453313657 Set in South Africa partially during the apartheid regime Trevor Noah’s autobiography Born a Crime describes how the comedian and host of The Daily Show grew up. Noah shows the valuable lessons he learned in many tricky situations and a child and young adult. For me the novel was an eye opener as it handles many topics such as racism and domestic violence. I thought the humor throughout the book not only made it captivating but also created an often positive and hopeful attitude and theme. Noah’s stories can be both funny and saddening and made for a very dynamic read. ]]> 2020-03-02 23:06:06 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/453313657 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/455453397 Sophie G: “Red Sparrow” by Jason Matthews 
Set in modern day Russia “Red Sparrow” follows Dominika Egorov, a woman recruited by her uncle to work for the Russian government, taking advantage of her father’s death and the abrupt end of her ballet career. Soon she is sent away to a training camp to become a Sparrow, a special operative using the art of seduction to retrieve information. After meeting a young CIA agent, Nate Nash, who is her newest target, and incidentally she is his, Dominika soon learns who she can and cannot trust. With her increasing love for Nate and the hunt for Russian and American moles doom seems inevitable. While this book may not be the most incredible piece of literature created, it has wonderful character development, dialogue and fight sequences. If you are looking for a relatively quick and easy read with a badass heroine this is the book for you!]]> 2020-03-05 23:08:23 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/455453397 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/457774089 (DESTIN CERVANTEZ) Ready Player takes place in 2044, a teen/adult lives in the power surged, lack of resources world. Everyone around tries to escape reality through the Oasis, a simulator. The creator of the Oasis has died and he has created an Easter egg and whoever wins the egg receives everything he ever owns. Wade take the task and tries to get clues. Durning the grueling process he meets knew friends and runs away from the dangerous IOI. In the end Wade finally doesn’t desire to be on the oasis, instead being with his Love.
This story is about being away from technology and being with others.]]> 2020-03-10 17:09:39 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/457774089 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/459691520 Into The Wild is a book written by Jon Krakauer about the life of a man named Christopher McCandless. Chris took his $24,000 donated it to charity and took off to Arizona. From there, he hitchhiked across the states working odd jobs. He conceived a new idea to go to Alaska and “live off the land.” So about two years after leaving home, he walked into the Alaskan bush. There he stayed for about four months, he got increasingly closer to starvation. He eventually attempted to go back to society only to find a river blocking him. He eventually starved and there was a lot of controversy over exactly how because he seemed to be poisoned. This book really impacted me because of the adventure of it. Chris was a well off rich kid who chose to go see for himself what life was about. And although going to Alaska wasn’t a good idea to begin with, he did his research and the book he had listed the plant he ate as edible. I don’t feel he deserved to die.]]> 2020-03-13 04:30:39 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/459691520 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/462443746 Totally did not expect this book to be about a girl, which was disappointing at first. Until John Green introduce Alaska, she was a very fun but complex character, and all of the people in the book had that in common, but were drastically different. This book focuses on death and the main character, Pudge, is constantly searching for “a great perhaps.” It gets very philosophical. I found the book very relatable because of the complex characters and also it is set at a high school. I must point out it was very cliche, and had a lot of those “coincidences” that don’t happen in real life, but who doesn’t enjoy that sometimes? The ending was perfect because it left few questions, but still left you pondering quite a bit. Highly recommend.]]> 2020-03-16 23:08:19 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/462443746 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/467093097 The Wild Trees, by Richard Preston, follows the story of a group of individuals and their quest to find the world’s tallest tree in the redwood forests of the Pacific Northwest. But beyond that, the story is also an informative read about trees and climbing, an incredibly in depth biography of the tree climbers’ lives, and a beautifully told story that will pull you back in time to days spent climbing the trees in your backyard. This is an amazing story I would recommend to anyone, but it can be a difficult read at some parts because the author often goes on scientific tangents, and there are so many characters mentioned in the story that I had to go back to earlier chapters several times to remind myself of who these people were. Like I said, I recommend this story to everyone, but you have to stick with it.]]> 2020-03-19 22:44:55 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/467093097 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/479894682 The book follows Holden, a teenager in the 1950s who believes the world is full of phonies. The story is about his journey from his latest school that he was expelled from, Pencey Prep in Pennsylvania to New York where his family lives. J.D. Salinger did a great job connecting the title with the story as when Holden is asked by his younger sister what he wants to be he thought of the poem “ If a body meets a body coming through the rye” and told her he wants to be ‘the catcher in the rye.’ Overall a very good classic with an ending that leaves you with a little closure but for the most part open ended. ]]> 2020-03-28 19:20:50 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/479894682 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/482948712 The Starless Sea is the perfect haven for readers. Existing under the earths crust it protects stories of all kinds. Words are written on the walls, baked into cakes, and stacked on the endless shelves that the line the halls of the Harbor that borders the Starless Sea. The book follows Zachary as he discovers a world he never could have imagined and attempts to save it when he learns it is falling to pieces. He is accompanied on his adventures by Mirabel, a painter who is not who she seems, and Dorian, a handsome and somewhat beguiling stranger who Zachary desperately wants to kiss. While they attempt to piece together how to save the Harbor and the Starless Sea many other stories are unraveling- the love affair between Time and Fate, the romances of the Moon, and the fate of a boy and girl lost in time.]]> 2020-03-30 18:35:56 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/482948712 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/485103370 Mel Fuller is the gossip columnist for the New York Journal and cares deeply about Winona Ryder and her next door neighbors, unheard of in the bustling city of New York. When one of her neighbors, Mrs. Friedlander, is apparently robbed and found facedown and unconscious in her apartment Mel reaches out to her nephew. However Max Friedlander has no intention of rushing home to his aunt who is in a coma. To take his place he sends his friend John Trent who owes him a favor to pretend he is Max, to walk his aunts dog, and placate Mel. What Max doesn’t anticipate is Mel and John falling for each other , but fall for each other they do. The only problem is, Mel thinks she is in love with Max. The best part about this book is that it is all recounted from emails between the characters. A perfect modern romance.]]> 2020-03-31 17:58:58 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/485103370 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/501156746 This book follows Dorian Gray and how outside influences change his character. Morals and human nature are big themes as characters comment on how best to go about living life. It is an excellent choice for anyone who is interested in reading classics and expanding their vocabulary. Wilde used imagery to describe the settings in the novel making it easy for the reader to imagine each scene regardless of the fact that it takes place during the the Victorian era. The book also contains a lot of philosophical content which is really interesting to connect with the events throughout the book.]]> 2020-04-09 19:11:35 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/501156746 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/503089011 A Darker Shade of Magic is a book I have been wanting to read for a while, but it was never at the top of my list. However, being stuck at home was the perfect opportunity to read the books I’ve been meaning to read, so I picked up this one, and I am so so glad I did. This is the perfect book to escape through during this difficult time, full of Magic, amazing characters, and fascinating world-building. Like I mentioned before, I didn’t have very high expectations for this book but since I read it I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. The book takes a little while at the beginning before things get exciting, but the way the story draws the reader in is well worth the wait.]]> 2020-04-11 19:15:26 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/503089011 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/511625063 (Destin Cervantez)
The Count Of Monte Cristo takes place in 1815 in France. A young man named Edmond Dantes returns home, and sees his Father and his beloved. Unfortunate events take place, leading to the imprisonment of the once happy man. The years in his cell he yearns for liberty and vows to take his revenge  on those who set up, a innocent man. (I don’t want to write much on the book so I don’t spoil anything.) 
This fascinating story has many elements to it, it has love, revenge, grief, joy, and retribution.
Edmond Dantes faces all of these, while he makes a new identity.

This books is difficult to read, it has many unknowns words to me. But this book has widened my vocabulary. I’d say this book is meant for young adults.
 Otherwise read this book.

]]> 2020-04-16 20:47:05 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/511625063 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/511854556 Yes No Maybe So is a sweet, easy read that finds a way to slip in important political statements. When I picked up this book I was expecting a classic, fluffy love story but I was pleasantly surprised by it! Jamie, an awkward and shy boy, meets Maya, a girls who was forced into canvassing by her mother after her parents split, while volunteering at a political campaign and subsequently change each other’s lives. The characters are very sweet and tremendously relatable, bonding over things such as their love for The Office and Target. Jamie is Jewish and Maya is Muslim so the book gives a very interesting look at how two religions can collide and possibly hinder a relationship. This book was not at all what I expected it to be in the best possible way. I loved it so much and would suggest it to any one looking for a good romance with real world issues and realistic characters!]]> 2020-04-17 00:32:02 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/511854556 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/537537419 Leigh Bardugo’s dark fantasy novel follows Yale freshman Galaxy (Alex) Stern as she adjusts to her new life as part of the ninth house. This book has amazing dark fantasy that really peaked my interest. Both the environment and complex characters are so interesting and it’s a thrilling  story to follow. Having read Bardugo’s young adult books I was very surprised at some of the heavy content in this book. If you are considering reading it I would suggest being mindful of that. Otherwise I really enjoyed watching Alex overcome obstacles throughout this novel. ]]> 2020-04-28 20:41:55 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/537537419 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/590659835 The Godfather is a movie I’ve known of for a long time, but never watched, and I only recently found out it was a book as well, when I was doing research for a good book to movie adaptation. I went into this book knowing it was about the mob but not much else about the plot, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well the book followed the characters across a time span of 10 years, cataloguing the rise of an outsider to mafia boss and all of the schemes and characters influenced by it. One of my favorite things about this story was the politics of it; the intricate and well developed system of the Corleone Family and the greater 5 Families of New York was absolutely fascinating to me, as someone who previously knew nothing about the mafia. This book was a really interesting glimpse into America post WWII, and it entertained me a lot as well as taught me a lot about the history of our country and the crime underworld of the 50s.]]> 2020-05-23 19:07:35 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/590659835 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/602893997 The book the good spy is the story of CIA operative Robert Ames and how his life had an impact on the people of the world. Normally I’m not a fan of non-fiction novels but I decided to give this story a try. It is written entirely based on interviews and existing historical documents telling of all of the great achievements Robert performed in his life. If you are the type of person who is interested in the Arab world and the different conflicts that have existed there I highly recommend this novel. I loved being able to learn about his life and the difference that one man can make in so many others lives.]]> 2020-05-31 03:55:50 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/602893997 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/605804530 This book takes you back to WW2 from perspectives of three women and their different roles in the war and how their stories were intertwined. Caroline, an American working for a French Consulate, Kasia, a Polish girl trying to survive and Herta, a German doctor.  The author wrote the book based off of real people and she spent years learning about them and their stories before writing the book.  ]]> 2020-06-01 23:00:32 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/605804530 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/607858257 Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by JohnBerendt’s is a true crime non-fiction novel that follows the murder of Danny Hansford. The story takes place in Savannah Georgia and displays many aspects of southern culture well also showing a wide array of unique characters such as The Lady Chablis. As a reader this novel felt a lot like a fiction novel even though it is true crime. I still enjoyed reading it as each character seems to have an interesting backstory. I would also say that it is very well written and descriptive and does a good job of describing the unique places and characters in the novel.]]> 2020-06-02 23:36:23 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/607858257 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/609845854 Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom is a biographical and philosophical fiction book. The story follows Mitch who visits his old sociology professor in his last few months of life. They reconnect by having a weekly visit on Tuesdays, where they talk about life and the life’s greatest lessons. I thought this book was actually really good, it felt informational while keeping a personal, fictional touch. The lessons taught were very important and they can resonate with anyone as long as they keep an open mind to them. The book was short while packing in many lessons and ideas. I think it’s a good read if you’re interested on the subject of death’s lessons and brief information on life’s big lessons.]]> 2020-06-03 21:38:36 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/609845854 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/610110576 The Art of Non-Conformity is a wonderful, mind opening self help book written by Chris Guillebeau. It covers the ideas and ways to neglect the conformity of society, and the rules that are set of how to live your life. This book largely focuses on self employment, traveling the world, following a enjoyable, unique life path, and creating a legacy that will out live you. Although there are some ideas in this book that are hard to fully understand being a 15 year old, I found this book very enjoyable to listen to. The concepts, examples, and metaphors Guillebeau uses throughout the book are engaging and expanded my thinking. This book is really good, but even the first few minutes of it explain that it isn’t for everyone, I think if you want any expansion of your thinking on life’s journey and your impact on the world, this is a good book to listen to or read.]]> 2020-06-04 02:49:00 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/610110576 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/611493096 This book was largely about the events that took place in Coates’ life. While reading, you are given an insight into what it is like to be a black person in America. A lot of the issues that he describes were either new to me or I knew of them, however, I didn't realize how it truly affected someone who is black. Coates describes most of these issues through very long metaphors, some spanning almost the entirety of the book (although it is only 152 pages). If you are to read this book, I would recommend reading in the span of two to four days, as many times I had to go back twenty pages because I forgot what the metaphor was trying to say.

]]> 2020-06-04 16:48:53 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/611493096 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/611582791 A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’engle is a fantasy children’s book that explores ideas of love, the power of oneself, and the fight against good and evil. The story follows our main character, Meg, and her little brother Charles Wallace, and a new friend, Calvin, on a mission across the universe to both save her father and fight an evil taking over the universe. I really liked this book, although there were a few times where Meg got on my nerves, but that’s understandable. What I think was special was the author's way of world building, as we are taken to many places around the universe. However (for me at least), the ended kinda ruined it as it was very cliche and fast paced, but I still enjoyed the book.

]]> 2020-06-04 17:32:51 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/611582791 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/611794423 Life of Pi by Yann Martel is a good read, and I think if you have extra time in your reading, you should read the book. It follows Pi Patel, a religious Indian boy, who has to survive and get across the Ocean when the ship he was on sank. Oh, and he has a tiger on board with him. The book can be slow at times, and have a little too much description in some parts, but overall it’s a great book. The book includes many great literary devices, information on animals, religion, and the wonders of the environment. Martel did a great job of developing Pi’s character through the book in a realistic yet thought provoking way.]]> 2020-06-04 19:31:24 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/611794423 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/611841984 Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones is a children’s fantasy book which follows Sophie Hatter, the eldest of three siblings and works in her family’s hat shop. She is turned from a 18-year-old girl to a 90-year-old woman by the Witch of the Waste, and sets off to find the moving castle that belongs to Wizard Howl. The book feels very well paced, and the audio book is entertaining with all the British and Welsh accents. I will say that the underlying plot line is complex to the point where sometimes it seems like not even the author is going with things, but this doesn’t ruin the reading experience, but more so enhances after every read as you pick up on more stuff.

]]> 2020-06-04 20:03:24 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/611841984 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/611941515 Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan may not be the best work of literature I’ve ever read, it was still enjoyable and a page turner. The characters are all unique and interesting, and the different point of views each chapter were nice because you get to know each character’s thoughts. The surroundings, people and food were described to the point that I felt I was there. The family drama, comedy, and romance tied together well, making for a fun read.]]> 2020-06-04 21:19:47 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/611941515 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/613542082 This book is Michelle Obama’s account of not only her time in the White House but also how she grew a person and how her childhood effected the movements she supported later in her life. The book details her home life, her insecurities, and her dedication to her education. However it also draws the former First Lady as incredibly human as she recounts anecdotes of her and Baracks  first meeting and how hard the poor guy had to work to get her on a date. This book was an eye opening and inspiring piece that demonstrated the work behind the woman so many look up to today.]]> 2020-06-05 18:49:31 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/613542082 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/613551305 Twilight is about an ordinary, extremely clumsy girl named Bella who moves to Forks, Washington to live with her single father. As she attempts to settle into life in a town she hates she begins to notice the oddness of the Cullen family. Beautiful, mysterious, and almost inhuman. Their son, Edward, is the same age as Bella and Bella just can’t stop thinking about him. And then Edward saves her life, bringing up questions about his superhuman strength and speed. Bella’s only guess is that the boy she seems to be falling in love with is, in fact, a vampire.]]> 2020-06-05 18:56:50 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/613551305 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/619774932 The Goldfinch is a coming-of-age novel about Theodore Decker, a 13 year old boy who survives a terrorist bombing of an art museum but loses his mother to the attack. As he is stumbling out of the debris a dying man gives him a ring and instructions on where to take it, he also tells him to take a  painting, The Goldfinch. It is these two things that set the stage for Theo’s life after losing his mother. All 784 pages are filled with an enthralling and powerful story. ]]> 2020-06-10 00:39:06 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/619774932 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/804260540 The Green Mile takes place inside the writings of severely aged Paul Edgecombe. Paul relives his experience as a prison guard at Cold Mountain Penitentiary, escorting convicted killers to their inevitable demise. While he does not take pleasure in his work, unlike fellow guard Percy Wetmore, Paul is able to detach himself from the ugly peculiarities of the prison. However, he begins to take an interest in simpleton John Coffey, an hulking African American man on death row for the murder of two white girls. Paul uncovers a hidden truth concerning Coffey’s case, but must also come to terms with the disturbance his discovery will make. I strongly recommend this novel to those who enjoy methodical thrillers where every detail holds significance. This novel is unique because it is the complete serial novel, which means that it was produced in small installments similar to a television show, but for books.]]> 2020-10-05 18:14:10 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/804260540 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/868403809 Caste is centered around the idea that America has a systemically ingrained caste system that uses race as a basis for discrimination. Wilkerson artfully compares and contrasts the United States with the similar cast hierarchies of India and Nazi Germany, while demonstrating how the undertow of cast is experienced on a daily basis. Wilkerson covers the origins and believes that propagate cast and maintain its influence to this day, in addition to explaining how America can move beyond the artificial divisions and find hope in humanity. I found this book to be an interesting commentary on racial discrimination, and it inspired me to view issues of race in a whole new light. I highly recommend this book to anyone who desires to further educate themselves on matters of race in the modern world.]]> 2020-10-28 05:03:14 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/868403809 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/914833780 This Thriller novel follows Harvard professor Robert Langdon through his adventure to the stop the plans of the Illuminati. The setting and imagery in this novel are very really enjoyed this novel are unique as Langdon is able to travel around the world. The strong themes of history made it especially interesting because some of the places described are real monuments. As a reader I enjoyed being able to google some of the settings referenced. I felt the events in the novel were very intense but interesting to follow. I especially enjoyed following the characters motives as the story progressed.]]> 2020-11-12 01:59:36 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/914833780 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/938417074 Player Piano is a thoughtful reflection on capitalism, class-divide and mechanical progression set in a near-future dystopian type world where the majority of jobs have been taken from humans and given to machines. The book follows Paul, the rich, intelligent CEO as he slowly realizes the harm that he, and machines, have caused to the majority of the population, and is determined to leave the life behind and make things right. There's humor and frightening realizations about life and society today dappled in amongst pages about machines and technology, and the book raises the question, how far should we let our society continue on the path that it's currently on before it's too late to make things right once more?

- Gabrielle Borgia]]> 2020-11-18 19:13:37 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/938417074 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/981284071 Catch and Kill centers around Farrow’s journey in investigative journalism about the predatory world of entertainment. It explores the lengths the rich and powerful will go to keep their well know secrets under wraps. Ronan farrow expertly narrates his experience investigating the sexual assault claims against Harvey Weinstein in such detail and realism that the reader cannot help but be swept away with the excitement of chasing a story. However, this book also delves into the personal experience and traumas of many sexual assault victims that resonates within the soul of each human being. All this culminates with the realization of corruption within NBC and other news networks, and we find out how far the tentacles of Weinstein’s power stretch. This book is highly recommended because of how intricately the web of corruption, power, and secrecy is explained from all points of view. It truly allows the reader to experience a peek behind the curtain, at an appalling scandal hidden under their own nose.]]> 2020-12-02 19:03:28 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/981284071 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1011215995 The Death Of Ivan Ilych is a realistic, philosophical fiction novel that revolves around the life, and the events that occurred in the life of Ivan Ilych that eventually led to his slow, painful, and fearful death. Ivan was a man who dreamed of living the perfect life in the perfect house, with a perfect job, and he endured a lot of tribulations, such as debt and his verbally abusive wife, in order to achieve these things. However, after attaining the perfect house and perfect job, Ivan Ilych fell from a ladder, hitting his side and causing his kidney to come loose, leading to him dying a slow death, which he spent the majority of the time contemplating his mortality.
-Gabrielle Borgia]]> 2020-12-11 19:55:57 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1011215995 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1018233846 The Crowns of Croswald by D.E. Night pulled me in as I met young Ivy, a scaldrony maid, as she escapes the magic suppressing slurry fields which for years have limited the power she didn’t know she had. Ivy leaves the limited radius of her childhood with Humbolt, a scaldron dragon, who she rescued from Helga and the Castle Plum. She soon discovers the magic within herself that leads her to the Halls of Ivy a school for magical students. I enjoyed following Ivy as she begins to understand herself and her past. She is well written and an underdog who was easy for me to get behind. In particular, I began to love Ivy's curious and brave character when she reaches the Halls of Ivy and faces a variety of quirky characters, and her own magic. The mystery of the story intrigued me and Night uses vivid imagery that builds a world with rich settings and characters. I personally think this novel is best suited to middle and high school students because The Crowns of Croswald is a delightful read and a fun escape from rigorous schoolwork. I would say this is very easy reading and would recommend it to middle and high school readers. ]]> 2020-12-14 23:23:38 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1018233846 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1026719987 The majority of the novel takes place in the fictional town of Molching, Germany, near Munich, between 1939 and 1943. Death narrates the story of Liesel Meminger, beginning when she is nine years old and suffering from the death of her brother and separation from her mother. Liesel goes to live with Hans and Rosa Hubermann at 33 Himmel Street in Molching. When Liesel arrives, she can't read and is made fun of. She realizes how powerless she is without words, and so Hans teaches her how to read during midnight lessons in the basement. She also becomes very good friends with Rudy Steiner, the Hubermanns' neighbor. This book is about living in Nazi Germany during WW2, but also finding ones self in books and creating a new life even if you believed your old one was gone.]]> 2020-12-17 05:40:18 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1026719987 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1056894054 "Invisible Man” is a very profound book on race relations in America. It navigates the experiences of an unnamed black man who considers himself invisible to society, because people refuse to see who he really is. He’s highly intelligent and gets to go to a nice college, but is kicked out after he is blamed over a situation that he cannot control. The corrupt president of the school tricks the narrator into thinking he’s helping him get back into the school next fall, when he actually causes him to get stranded in Harlem with no money whatsoever. The narrator then navigates his job at a paint factory, communists, and an insane black nationalist leader who calls himself Ras the Exhorter (which turns into Ras the Destroyer.) Although the book deals heavily with racism, it has a strong theme of identity and being true to oneself. The narrator shuffles through all sorts of groupthink in the book as he tries to endure his situation, so I think that the main theme of the book doesn’t just have to deal with the marginalization of the American black man, but also maintaining freedom of thought within that world. 

-Jake Miller

]]> 2021-01-05 18:34:01 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1056894054 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1060689149 The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X tells the story of the life of Malcolm X, and his experiences as a black Muslim in the United States as well as the world. This book is a great way to learn about the experiences of black people, and the rise of the Black Muslim movement that isn't taught in school, and also how to act when change needs to occur.

- Gabrielle Borgia]]> 2021-01-06 18:52:38 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1060689149 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1070718146 Dear Girl by Aija Mayrock is a poetry book about freedom and happiness despite oppression. The book was written by a young woman and addresses the differences one would face growing up as a girl. Mayrock uses creative writing to inspire girls to thrive and live in their power. It tackles topics like advocacy, healthy boundaries and affection, and personal value.]]> 2021-01-10 06:29:55 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1070718146 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1078623572 This book is really impactful and critical for somebody to really understand the issue of race in America. Malcolm X is a figure who is so often lied about in the press, and the many misconceptions people have of him alone are a valid reason to read it. Although not a very optimistic story, Malcolm X's life is very interesting to read about especially as we see his thinking change over time. Ultimately, he should be considered to be one of the great American heroes. 

Jake Miller 


]]> 2021-01-12 14:21:08 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1078623572 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1089580771 The Gospel According to Coco Chanel by Karen Karbo is a part biography part self help books that covers the life of Coco Chanel and what readers can learn from it. The book is written is a very witty and casual way and I really enjoyed reading it. Karbo uses anecdotes and references to Chanel's legacy to offer life lessons. And while I struggled to relate to some of the authors strong opinions I still did have fun reading this book. 

]]> 2021-01-14 23:21:12 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1089580771 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1099161717 “The Great Gatsby” is about upper class America during the roaring twenties, and a man named Nick's navigation around such a vibrant, excessive world. He becomes involved in the love affair between his cousin Daisy and his neighbor Gatsby, who is infatuated with her. The story is not only intriguing, but extremely well-written. The book is clearly a criticism of the American Dream and a commentary on how class in America changed because of it. While I didn’t like any of the characters (except Gatsby) I really enjoyed the way Fitzgerald wrote it, and felt that the other characters were deliberately made unlikable to make statements about real life people who resembled them.

Jake Miller


]]> 2021-01-18 22:07:51 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1099161717 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1119492421 This book was really interesting to read! It took place in the 20s and is about a man named Nick who’s cousin Daisy is in love with her neighbor Gatsby. It is a great love story and a great book.]]> 2021-01-24 19:41:22 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1119492421 https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1119501825 The Duke and I is about a love story between Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke, Simon. It’s a story based in the 1800s and about Daphne is the diamond of the season and how she needs to find and husband and Simon is a single man who is trying to avoid getting a wife, until he meets Daphne.]]> 2021-01-24 19:46:31 UTC https://padlet.com/christie_mccormick/h20pdfrlu9om/wish/1119501825