Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Animal Farm

Animal Farm

by George Orwell

Plot Summary:

Manor Farm is home to many different animals, under the oppression of Mr. Jones, one of the main Pig's Old Major comes up with a brilliant new idea in his sleep and tells all the other animals about it. This new idea was called “Animalism” which consist of only seven rules. After preaching to all the animals on how humans only consume and don’t produce they throw out Mr. Jones from Manor Farm. The animals are independent and live by the seven rules of Animalism for the rest of the farms life with twists in the farm.

Thoughts:

Animal Farm is a short and quick read, I personally enjoyed it because I enjoy history and political ideologies and anyone who enjoys that should read Animal Farm. The characters themselves represent old Political leaders and Philosophers. The Pigs are at the top of the social structure Napoleon, Snowball and Old Major are the most important. Napoleon represents Stalin because he was the leader while Snowball represented Trotsky.

I enjoyed Animal Farm not only because of the connections from real people, but ideologies that tied into real quotations made by Marx. Through quotes such as “The worker in his human functions no longer feels himself to be anything but [an] animal. What is animal becomes human and what is human becomes animal”(Marx 1844) It took a literal approach at quotations by philosophers, political leaders and revolutionists. For those that are interested in history, politics and social structure in the 20th Century. I strongly recommend Animal Farm for a quick read and if you want to make real life connections to history in a well-written and humorous manner.

reviewed by S. M., Grade 10 Scona student


The Perks Of Being A Wallflower

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower

by Stephen Chbosky

Plot:

Charlie, an awkward teenager, is a "wallflower" a shy boy who prefers to watch rather than get involved. That is until two students become his mentors. Patrick and his free-spirited stepsister Sam show Charlie how to view things from a different perspective. How to enjoy music, first loves, and the overall joy of having true friends. When his teacher helps make his dream of being a writer a reality Charlie is ravished with happiness. That is until his two friends graduate and his confidence starts to fade.

My thoughts:

I was given this book as a gift in April. I had heard about it a long time before as well as watching a snippet of the newly produced movie when my friends were watching it on the airplane. I never really knew what it was about and it didn't really appeal to me. That was until I started reading and couldn't put down the book. I was quickly able to relate to Charlie (being a high school student who was once very shy). The realism and detail in the novel is strong throughout the novel pulling readers like myself to forget about reality and stay up all night reading. Charlie's life has many twists and turns and shows just how tough life can be. With the diary format of the book, it’s easy to understand not only Charlie's words but his thoughts and feelings. This book often reminded me of the strong bonds and quirky adventures in Paper Towns, although the more serious topics, as well as format separated the two novels. The one and only downside to the novel in my opinion is not shedding light to the fate of a few sub-characters. Overall great read, and tremendously relatable.

Overall rating: 8 ½ books / 10 (I highly recommend this to any teenage student who has had ups and downs. So basically everyone).

reviewed by I. F., Grade 10 Scona student


Uglies

Uglies

by Scott Westerfeld

Plot:

This descriptive book takes you on the adventure of a young girl named Tally. The world she lives in looks perfect on the outside but on the inside it is far from it. Separated by looks teens cannot wait till there 16, this is when the get there operation to change their looks into something you could only dream of. Tally is ecstatic to change and be with her best friend Peris who has already had the operation. But one night of breaking rules leads Tally to be friend a new girl name Shay. Everything turns from there. Tally will have to make the most important decision of her life it will change everything.

My Thoughts:

I am very pleased with this book. There was always something happening and I never got bored with it.  The main character Tally was well developed and very relatable.
Even though they are not realistic situations Tally seems to make the choice I believe we would all make if we were in her shoes. In one part of the book Tally has to choose either to stay ugly forever or find Shay. Tally decides to go with what she wants but later has a change of heart.  The book also caught a glimpse of how her choices affected her and the people around her. An example of this is in the beginning of the book Tally makes the choice to sneak out and see Peris, because of this she meets Shay. I appreciated how the book also gave you a little back story on Peris and tally’s relationship of best friends. Uglies always kept me on my toes wanting to know what happened next. The ending will make you yearn for the next book.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure. Also to the people who just want to fit in. If you ever need an amazing read you should hands down get Uglies by Scott Westerfeld.

reviewed by J.P., Grade 10 Scona student