I am The Messenger by Markus Zusak

Rating: 5/5

Ed Kennedy is a 19 year old kid who finds his normal day disrupted when his becomes a witness of a bank robbery with his friends. Weeks later, just when the bank robbery has been nearly forgotten about, Ed receives a playing card (one of his hobbies) in his mailbox with three addresses on it. What will Ed do with them?

I liked this book because it was hooking, fast paced, and never got boring. It was well written and even poetic at times, and was filled with lines that made you pause and think about what you just read, because it was so well written. I would recommend this book if you like realistic fiction that is hooking and fast.

October 20 2023

Monstrilio by Gerardo Sámano Córdova

rating 4/5

The story is put into 4 changing perspectives of the 4 main characters, Margos, Joseph, Lena, Santiago/M set in both mexico and new york. The story starts with the death of a young boy named Santiago and a greving mother, Margos, Joseph is her husband and as there son lays dead in his bed, dying from a heart failer joseph lays down but margos, so filled with rage a greif she cuts open her dead son and carves out a pice of santiagos lung.

Through out the story she cares for the lung and watches it grow into a boy, her boy santiago, but not quite him. The lung she saves and feeds destroys her marige and family life with a series of crazy, almost grusom events. If you enjoy the scary and desturbing reads this book might be a good fit for you, the only thing I didnt like about this book was the pace it went at, it started off fast with lots happining at the start and slowing down in the middle then comes to an ubruptent stop at the end. The book left me a little unsadisified at the very end and wishing for more. I think the characters where so well thought out and extreamly complicated my favrioet character though was margos, i relate to her senice of humor and what she did i think was not grotesc and weird i think she was lost and greving and was just a mother, just an artist.

The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

Rating: 4/5

The book follows Priya, a temple child posing as a servant in a wealthy politician and general's household after her temple and country are conquered. When a princess, the sister of the cruel emperor, is brought to Priya's household to be a prisoner, the peaceful life Priya had been upholding starts to unwind into a web of treachery, rebellion, and political and romantic tension. Following multiple perspectives throughout, this book takes a look on magic in a way not commonly seen in fiction. 

This was a fascinating read, and I really enjoyed the author's way of writing. It felt like a dangerous fairytale, and there were quite a few not fully expected twists. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book, particularly if one is looking for a book that makes you really think about what could be going on that you have yet to discover in the story. It doesn't leave many holes in the reader's imagination, and the story itself is a delectable treat that is easy to savor. 

By george r r martin

4/5

This book has several different main characters , it is set in a midevil world with a pinch of magic it is mostly about fighting to be the king or to "sit the iron throne" or fighting to stay alive. This book is mainly worldbuilding for the other books which are better.

This book is very graphic and includes some horrible things that happen but other than that it has a very good storyline. At the end it is very fast paced and interesting

January 8th, 2024.

Pretties by Scott Westerfeld (second book in Uglies series)

4.56/5

Tally, after her escape from the city (detailed in the first book), is brought back and is made into a "Pretty". Pretties are empty-headed beings, thinking only of the next party, or what the highest fashions are. Pretties have brain lesions that prevent them from thinking critically about anything. Tally doesn't remember, and is stuck being a "bubblehead" (Pretty) until she meets someone who will change her life forever, and who will help her remember. 

I quite liked this book, its (mostly) utopian setting and interesting characters lent a lot to the overall interest that I had in the story. Its world-building also was a highlight, and it made me want to come back for more.

Little League Baseball World Series by Matt Christoper

Rating: 4/5

This book follows two cousins who play baseball, Liam and Carter. Liam moves away from Pennsylvania to California. This is the first time the two had been separated. They both have dreams of winning the Little League World Series which is the largest youth sports tournament in the world. This book documents both of their perspectives on their journey to Williamsport.

I really enjoyed this book because it is funny. When I was younger it was also my dream to go to the Little League World Series and it is cool to read about cousins who were lucky enough to both go and play against each other.

June 8 2024

Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Apocalypse by Troy Denning

Rating 4/5

This book follows many characters including Luke Skywalker, Ben Skywalker, Jaina Solo, Allana Solo, Leia Organa-Solo, Vestara Khai and Tahiri Veila. All of these characters are all fighting a celestial being by the name of Abeloth and they’re fighting the sith. Abeloth is an extremely powerful person who has seduced the sith into following her. Abeloths only goal is to become the Queen of the Stars and rule over all the planets in this solar system.

This book was a very exciting read and was a great conclusion to the Fate of the Jedi series. Although it was a great book, I do not recommend this book because it is the ninth book in a series and also you probably wouldn’t understand anything that is happening without reading other star wars series as well.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

Rating 5/5

This book follows up on the lives of two teen-age twin brothers who are in love with the game of basketball and devote their life to the game. They have a great family relationship with their family especially their dad a former professional basketball player who shares the love that they have for the game. Both their parents push them to their full potential on and off the court whether its going to the gym for 3 hours or their mom who is their principal pushing them to study for hours.

I recommend this book, The whole book is done in poem form which I think is really unique and its written very well, I loved all the metaphors he used and as a basketball player the book was super relatable and felt up to date. There were some very unexpected events but the whole book was put together really well and overall its a great book that I recommend

The Cemetery Boys By Heather Brewer

3/5

The book is about a 17 year old boy named Stephen who moved to a small suburban town called Spencer after his mom was put in a mental hospital. The town kind of sucks but he eventually makes some friends. But the town has some crazy folklore and as the book progresses we learn they might not just be folklore.

I didn't like the book very much because the way that Stephen talks doesn't really seem like how a kid at his age would talk and also because all the meaningful interactions feel really weird and fake. I don't know, the book is fine.

January 8, 2024

"Are you even listening?", by Tillie Walden

Rating: 4.8/5

This book follows Lou and Bea on a wild and psychedelic adventure across the Texas. Bea is on the run from a torn up family when she runs into a distant acquaintance, Lou. On their quest, the find a little white cat, which they name Diamond. Their goal diverts to bring Diamond to her home, a little known town called West. On their drive, Bea and Lou's bond grows, as Bea (A very skilled mechanic), attempts to teach Lou to drive. The entire journey, they're chased by the mysterious "Department of Road inquiry" who seem very interested in Diamond.

I really enjoyed this book, and the illustration are really well done. The character development is very interesting and the story is very intriguing and unique. The dynamic between the character is fascinating to watch evolve and I highly recommend this book. 

By: Adam Silvera
Rating: 4/5

This story follows Mateo Torrez an eighteen year old boy and Rufus Emeterio a seventeen year old boy. It is set in a universe where the government can predict peoples death called "Death case." One night both boys get a call from death cast that in the next 24 hours they will die. Mateo is torn on what to do on this final day and is struggling to leave his house mean while Rufus has just beat up his ex girlfriends boyfriend and is trying to say his last to goodbyes to his friends. The boys end up meeting on an app called "The last friend" and they both agree to meet up and spend their last day together.

I enjoyed this book and think it was a good pace and engaging to read. I liked that it had both of the perspectives of the main characters. Over all I recommend this book.

By: Holly Jackson

Rating: 4/5

This book is about a girl named Pip who is assigned a final project for school and decides to try and solve a murder from five years before. While trying to find the killer, she puts herself and others in danger. It follows Pip and the Ravi Singh, whose brother died five years before. We see her struggle to find killer and have many people on the suspect list.

I thought this book was really interesting and pretty fast paced. If you like murder mysteries I think you would really enjoy this book. The reason why I rate it a 4/5 is because there wasn't really a huge plot twist, but it was unexpected.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

5/5

Review by Georgye

17-year-old Avery Grambs is the average teenage girl who is just trying to survive high school. avery is stunned by the fact that some random old billionaire left her almost everything in his will, so Avery and the billionaire's grandsons go on a hunt with puzzles, secrets, death threats, and hidden rooms for the real reason he left her his money.

I do love this book and the series it is hard to put down once you get through the first chapter. it's such a wonderful mix of mystery and adventure i do hope you read it

By: F. Scott Fitzgerald

3.5/5

This book is about a boy, Jay from a poor farming background who has managed to transform his life and become incredibly wealthy. The story is told through the perspective of Nick a rich college student. Throughout the story, it tells of Jay's pursuit of a woman named Daisy Buchanan

This book got better as it went on. At the start of the book, it was kind of slow and boring. By the end of the book, it was interesting.

January 8th 2024

This story follows a young boy at the age of 13 named Conor O'Malley who lives with his mother. one day he starts to get visited by what seems to be a repeating nightmare which shows a large giant formed by a yew tree from the cemetery across the street.

I really enjoyed this story because it showed how the Main character went through his life with his nightmares and came to terms with them. 8/10

Hatchet By Gary Paulsen

Review By Mason Arnal

Rating 5/5

The book Hatchet follows a young teenage boy named Brain Robeson. Brian is flying somewhere when the plane suddenly crashes and he finds himself alone in a forest in the middle of nowhere. Brian has no resources but a Hatchet he got as a gift from his mother. All he has to survive in the wilderness by himself is the hatchet. Brian has to gather food, build shelter, and protect himself with only his hatchet.

I would rate this book 5/5. This book is very interesting and doesn't have any parts when you get tired of reading it. This book also has good pacing so if you get bored of books easily like me I would recommend it.

January 8th,2024

Harry Potter: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Novel by J. K. Rowling

4/5

• "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" is a favorite childhood book of mine. It's a super exciting book with all the magic, mystery, and friendships. is a magical ride from start to finish. It introduces us to Harry, an ordinary kid who discovers he's a wizard. The world of Hogwarts, with its spells, potions, and fantastical creatures, is just so captivating. Plus, the friendships Harry forms with Hermione and Ron are so heartwarming. The suspense builds up with the mystery of the Sorcerer's Stone, and the twist with Professor Quirrell is just jaw-dropping.

  I really recommoned the whole series but, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone a really good and an easy to follow book if your looking for a mystical, advertours, and fun book.

January 8th, 2024

Hunger games: The ballad of the songbirds and snakes By Suzanne Collins

Rating 4/5

Ballad of the songbirds and snakes is a prequel to the other Hunger games. It is based 64 years before the first novel. It features a young Coriolanus Snow. The book shows his journey throughout the book and how he became the president Snow that we know from the original books. In the book we are also introduced to a young girl named Lucy Gray Baired, she is from district 12 and gets picked to fight in the hunger games. Her appearance makes this book more interesting and mysterious.

I really enjoyed this book even though it does not have the same impact as the original hunger games.

January 8th, 2024

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman

4.5/5

Aziraphale and Crowley, an angel and a demon, learn about the coming end of the world. As Heaven and Hell's representatives on Earth, they quite like it (and each other, though they wouldn't admit it) and decide to work together to stop Armageddon. It switches perspectives from Aziraphale and Crowley to other important characters in the book.

I loved this book, it's also a series on Prime Video. The jump from different characters and different parts of the story line is a bit confusing, but it's really cool to see it all connect together at the end.

January 8th, 2024

Booked by Kwame Alexander

Rating 4/5

This story follows up on the main character twelve-year-old Nick Hall. He is a soccer star on the soccer field but when he's not on the field he is with his dad who makes him read the dictionary every day. His skill with words starts to help him get the girl of his dreams, April. Nick finds out his mom got a job in Kentucky but also was told his parents were separating. This caused Nick to live with his dad and caused a lot of anger with Nick. He goes through a series of downhill moments throughout the book and ultimately tries to get his parents together, date the girl of his dreams, and play soccer.

This book is written in stanzas and acts as poetry. I enjoyed this book very much and recommend this book to people who enjoy sports and want to read a book with not so challenging reading. Kwame Alexander makes well-written books and you should not only read this book but any of his books.

January 9th 2024

Anarcho-Syndicalism: Theory and Practice By Rudolf Rocker

4/5

Completed on 1/2/24

This book is an opinion-al, historical, and informational piece on a political ideology, which had its golden age in the late 19th, and early 20th century. It was written at the time, during the 1936-9 Spanish Civil War, where one faction, the CNT-FAI was using this ideology. It gives us an insight into these ideas, and how the people of these times before hoped for the future. This book is fantastic, but there are still major drawbacks. For starters, it is very specific, if you are not interested in these topics already, you will not enjoy this book, as the language is very difficult to understand, and it is easy to find the topics boring, but if you do enjoy it, you will enjoy it a lot. if you want to read books about political theory, this is not the book to start out on. Overall, I as someone who enjoyed it give it a 4/5 as it is a very excellent book that presents these topics well, but it really only talks about the theory, not so much the practice. although the theory it presents is less boring than some other theory that i have read, it would be a little more engaging with more practice.

By Kwame Alexander

4/5

I think it's like this wild mix of soccer, life, and words. Nick's dealing with school, bullies, and family drama, all in these cool poems and stories. It's not just about soccer kicks; it's Nick figuring out life's kicks too. The author, Kwame Alexander, writes in a way that's like poetry mixed with real talk. It's not just for book nerds; it's for anyone who loves a good story that hits you in the feels. "Booked" shows how words have power, helping you figure out who you are. If you want a book that's not boring and dives into real life, "Booked" is the one. It's like chatting with a friend who gets it.

January 10th, 2024

Then by Morris Gleitzman

Rating: 4/5

Then is a book that takes place in Poland in 1942 during the Nazi occupation of Poland during the second world war. It follows ten year old Felix who is Jewish and running away from the Nazis with six year old Zelda. They meet a lady named Genia in the woods, and even though it seems like she's going to turn them into the Nazis, she takes them back to her farm and gives them new names and identities so they can stay with her.

I would rate this book 4/5. It's hard to get bored reading it as a lot happens and it really gives the sense that this time couldn't be considered safe at any time for people in the same position.

January 8th 2024

The Girls by Emma Cline

Rating 4/5

This book is about a young girl living in California in the late 1960s. Shes doesn't have very many friends and one day she sees these girls in the park and becomes fascinated with them and how mysterious they seem. As she gets to know them she is drawn into the inner circle of growing cult living on a run down ranch in the California mountains. She becomes more and more obsessed with these people and their lifestyle until it goes too far.

I gave it a 4/5 because it was kind of slow at some points and hard to follow because it switches to different points in time, but other than that I really enjoyed this book and how it was written.

Harriet Lee

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

Rating: 5/5

This book takes place in World War II and follows Alfred, Joana, Florian, and Emilia four individuals risking their lives to flee Russia's advance into East Prussia. Their only hope is to secure a spot on the Whilem Gustloff a repurposed cruise ship evacuating citizens. but thousands of refugees are vying for the same spots. 

This is my favorite book from my favorite author. It is an incredible read. Each character is complex and compelling and has their own unique story to tell. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who doesn't mind a few gory or disturbing passages.

January 30th

Coraline

Neil Gaiman

Next Book 

This book is a thrilling adventure about Coraline Jones who moves into a new house with her family.  Off the bat something seems strange.  Her neighbors were off putting and the house was creaky and old.  After curiously exploring the house she finds a door that piques her interest.  After she unlocks the door it reveals something she will never forget.

I rate this book a 5/5, It is a thrilling adventure and a fun read if you are into unsettling books.

The 47 Ronin Story by john allyn

2/9/24

5/5

This is a retelling of a classic and true story of a samurai and young Japan during a war. It starts by showing the life of lord Asano who is about to take over counsel but is killed later that day from equation. Lord Asano used his sword in the presence of the shogun which is extremely illegal and was sentenced to death. the story now tells of a young samurai in charge of Lord Asano's castle and family. he has to find out what to do with the men of the castle and how to take revenge for his lord, he also has to take care of the lord's young daughter all he keeps is honor and his promise to lord Asano to never let the castle fall. the young samurai is named Oshi and the men following him in this story called the 47 ronin.

May 14th 2024

Solito by Javier Zamora

Rating 4/5

This book is about a boy who lives in El Salvador, and it is a memoir written by him about his journey to the United States, where his family has lived for the past couple of years. He is fearful of the border crossing because his parents crossing did not go smoothly, with his mother having to travel by foot for a very long time. The book goes into details about hospitality, techniques, and processes of crossing the United States border. There are failures, successes, and many well written passages about varying legs of the journey. A few legs are easy, but most bring stressful, challenging moments. He is traveling along with other people in a group crossing the border.

I give it a 4 because it is interesting to learn about something so far from my life, and I always enjoy true stories, as they seem more real. It can be slow at times and hard to get into at first, but by the end I really enjoyed this.

May 29, 2024

Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Rating 5/5

Name of the Wind follows Kvothe, the most notorious and infamous wizard in his world. In the present, he is older and faked his death, living in a small village as an innkeeper. His peace is disturbed when a writer named The Chronicler finds him, and asks him to tell his full tale, truly, from his perspective. The book itself is Kvothe telling his story, and how he became the most powerful sorcerer in existence.

I loved this book! It takes a second to get into it, as if you aren't aware of the present to past time switching it can get confusing. But once you get into it, the world is super immersive and the story is wonderful and fantastical. Definitely one of the best books I've read this year, and it has an equally amazing sequel.

May 31, 2024

Intersectional Class Struggle: Theory and Practice by Micheal Reagan

Rating 4/5

Intersectionality is a complicated concept, especially once you look further into it, however, this book helps build the concepts from the ground up, starting with the broad ideas, and examples, and centering on the main idea of intersectionality. It tells us of the labor relations of old, the factory girls, and numerous other examples of intersectionality throughout the ages.

This book is not without it's problems, however, for starters, as much as it tries to build from the ground up, there is a required already existing understanding of political theory, and especially Anarchist political theory. As such, the book is not for everyone, it has it's audience, and for that audience, I cant recommend it enough, but if you are not interested in these ideas like intersectionality, you will not enjoy this book.

June 4, 2024

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Rate 4/5

The Hate U Give is about a 16 year old teenage girl who witnessed two deaths throughout her life. She tries to figure out her life after that which involves second guessing her friends. She became angry at her friends because they didn't understand how it felt knowing a friend was killed because of his skin color. The story continues with Starr figuring out who she is and how to get justice for her friend's death by police. 

I don't like how the book and movie are different because I feel like they should always follow the book as a script. I liked that it was a story of self discovery and the struggle she went through. It was nice to read about a character who did not want to ignore her struggle but face it. I would recommend the book to someone who wants to read from a black girl's perspective in America.

Project 1065 by Alan Gratz

Rating 5/5

The book project 1065 follows a young boy named Michael O'Shaunessey in Berlin, Germany during WWII. Michael's parents are spies trying to give information to the allies. When Michael joins the Hitler youth he meets and befriends a kid named Fritz Bendler. As he grows closer with Fritz he discovers secrets about him and the Nazi's plans. Michael becomes a key part in helping his parents get information to the allies and helping them win the war.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 because the book has good pacing, well developed characters, and overall a very intriguing story. I really liked reading this book and I would definitely recommend reading it.

6/6/24

The Shining by Stephen King

5/5

The Shining follows the main character Jack Torrance and his family of three. Over the winter him and his family take on the role of winter caretakers of the Overlook hotel. But while the three stayed at the overlook hotel the strange phenomenons and isolation begins to mess with the family. Over the course of 5 months the Torrance family experiences things that can only be described as sinister.

This book was one of the most fantastic books I have read in a while. The writing was spectacular and kept me engaged throughout the whole book. At times the book could get a little bit slow but there was always something after that would pull you right back in. I can definitely see why this book is so popular.

Jun 6, 2024

The Force Unleashed by Sean Williams

Rating 4/5

This book is set in the Star Wars universe and is following the journey of Starkiller / Galen Marek who is the apprenctice to Darth Vader, (unbeknownst to the emperor who is Darth Vader's master). Throughout the story, Darth Vader sends Galen on missions to better Galen's skill and to eliminate his enemies, as he's doing this he starts to realize how much Darth Vader is exploiting him which creates the conflict in this story

I recommend this book to anyone who has watched the star wars movies because it is an extra little story that isn't necessary but it is still a fun addition to the story.

The only reason I didn't say this story is a 5/5 story is because the characters and their power level are not that realistic compared to the actual star wars universe and thus it gets 4/5.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Rating: 4.7/5

This book follows the journeys of three budding video game engineers, and it tells the complicated story of their relationships. It is a complex and compelling story that almost seems to track and follow the three characters, Sam, Sadie, and Marx. I loved the story, it really felt like I was floating over the shoulder of whoever's perspective it was, as though in a video game.

I absolutely recommend this book. It's a great read, its story is rich and deep. That being said, it's a bit of a slow read, so if you're into faster reads that go by much faster, you'll be disappointed by this book. It takes quite awhile to fully get started. When it does come through though, it really delivers the goods in an incredibly investing way. All I wanted to do while reading the faster parts of the book was see what would happen to the characters.

June 7, 2024

Sidetracked by Deb Loughead

Rating 3/5

Sidetracked is a book that centers around of the life of this 15-year-old boy named Joe Haskins. He got into an accident with a classmate named Tim Scott and unfortunately Tim ended up passing in this accident. Joe starts to feel extreme guilt and isolates himself from his family and friends knowing the death of his classmate Tim was his fault. The book basically follows Joe's struggle as he deals with his feelings. This story extremely focuses on relationship and emotions. This book could be a little bit relating because these emotions Joe deals with our emotions we possibly felt once or even deal with now.

I rate this book a 3/5 stars because it was a short book and was heavy on emotions and I didn't find the book that interesting and was kind of slow and boring.

June 7, 2024

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Rating 5/5

Six of crows follows six criminals from Ketterdam the bustling capital of a corrupt trade kingdom, As they attempt a seemingly impossible heist, for they payout of a lifetime. Along the way they get tangled up in new magic enhancing drugs, hypocritical witch hunters and international politics all while undergoing incredible character growth.

This is my favorite fantasy book of all time. The world building is captivating, the plot is suspenseful and clever, but the book's greatest allure is the characters. Each of the six main cast has an intriguing past, interesting motives and most important of all change throughout the book. There are a few mildly gory scenes, however I would absolutely recommend this book.

June 8, 2024

The Andromeda Strain by Micheal Crichton

Rating 4.5/5

This story follows a team of scientists assigned to a special task force to stop any alien contamination of earth. When A exploratory satellite crash lands in a arid and barren town in Arizona, the retrieval team

finds the entire town dead by mysterious and horrifying means, and the task force must scramble to defend earth against this eminent, heart stopping alien disease.

I really enjoyed this book! It can get very wordy at times and is deeply rooted in scientific topics, but I think that he explains these concepts well even for the average reader. Michael's books can be very hard to start because of their vocabulary, but once you get over that initial hump his books are quite the page turners!

June 7th, 2024

by Holly Jackson

Rating 4/5

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is a gripping young adult mystery novel that follows high school student Pippa Fitz-Amobi as she reopens a closed murder case for her senior capstone project. Five years ago, schoolgirl Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then allegedly killed himself. However, Pippa believes there is more to the story and sets out to uncover the truth, unearthing secrets that someone in their small town wants to keep buried.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Jackson's writing is sharp and engaging, and the plot is filled with twists and turns that keep you hooked from start to finish. Pippa is a tenacious and relatable protagonist, and her methodical approach to solving the mystery makes for a compelling read. The inclusion of interviews, diary entries, and other mixed media elements adds a unique and immersive touch to the narrative. This novel is a fantastic blend of suspense and intrigue, making it one of the best books I've read this year. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery.

June 10th, 2024

A good girls guide to murder: By Holly Jackson

Rating 4.5/5

The book A Good Girls Guide to Murder is a very entertaining book with lots of mystery. The book is set in a town called Fairview, and the protagonist Pippa Fitz-Amobiis is doing her final Senior project. For the project, she decides to re-investigate the murder of Andie Bell. When the case was closed 5 years ago it said that Andie was murdered by her boyfriend Sal Singh who then killed himself. It was the talk of the town for 5 years until Pip decided to open the case up again.

Pip has known Sal since she was a child and could not shake the thought of him being the murderer. But soon she discovers a trail of dark secrets that might prove Sal's innocence...

After getting deeper into the book I did not want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and I am very excited to read the sequels. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery. It is great because after I finished it I still knew there was more to come in the other sequels.

June 10, 2024

Booked by Alexander Kwame

Rating 4/5

This was a really great book. The book is not just just about soccer. Nick is a 8th grader who plays soccer. He loved it he uses it as a way to cope and help with his outside life. He struggles with bullying at school and not meeting his parents expectations. He gets injured and loses and misses a big tournament he had been waiting so long for. He couldn't do the only thing he loved playing soccer so he had to find other things to do. I love the way the author writes, its very interesting he mixes poetry and storytelling all in one with great similes and metaphors. All of his books I love because they are very relatable to a kids in this generation. Every book by him I find lots of connections to my real life and the problems his characters are facing. This is a great book with lots of surprises that I would recommend to anyone at grant.

Lily Nelson

5/5

This book is your classic fake dating scenario. Catalina desperately needs a fake boyfriend for her sister's wedding due to a slight miscommunication with her massive extended family, who now all believe she is dating someone. Unfortunately for her, the only option she has is her hot coworker, who she hates. As the misunderstandings build up with her family, Catalina and Aaron are stuck heading to Spain together, where the typical romance novel tropes occur. As Catalina and Aaron are stuck in a whirlwind of wedding festivities, she begins to realize Aaron just might not be quite as insufferable as she’d thought.

This book was a delightfully cozy romp of an office romance. The combination of several classic tropes led to a wonderfully unique tale, with some spice. If you are uncomfortable with reading spicy scenes, this book is not for you. I really enjoyed this book. It felt very escapist. I would definitely recommend this as a light, pick-me-up sort of read for perhaps a vacation or a long day. It’s not super serious, and you don’t have to focus as much on the plot as you would other books.

June 10th

Children of dune by Frank herbert

Rating: 3/5

The children of dune is the third book in the dune series, with mu'a dib dead this story follows his children, and Ali'a who is being possessed by the baron harkonnen. with assassination attempts almost no worms, and the ecological transformation in progress. this book follows the complicated geo-political aftermaths of the death of muad-dib.

I rate this book a 3/5 because while it is entertaining at times, there are chapters upon chapters filled with information I did not need to know and chapters upon chapters of philosophical mumbo jumbo. overall, this book is slow and methodical.