Duplicity

Duplicity

by N.K. Traver

Synopsis:

Imagine if one day your reflection does something it's not supposed to, starts changing your appearance? And then wants to switch places with you? This is what happens to high school student Brandon who is your typical rebel teenager. One morning when Brandon woke up his reflection wanted to change places with him. His reflection thinks that  he can replace him and live a better life in Brandon’s shoes. In this science fiction novel there is a little romance thrown into the mix with all the crazy things that are going on as well. How well would you survive in a computer knowing that someone else is living your life?

My Thoughts:

I decided to read this book because the cover intrigued me. It reminded me of a shattered mirror, also, the thing that grabbed me was in the beginning text pops up on Brandons computer saying, “here’s the game hacker, I’m done watching you ruin peoples lives.”  I found the book was just right but it was also challenging, the challenging part of it was that there was so much of the story going on at once. It was perfect because as I read deeper into the book background information was revealed to me. The techniques that enhanced the book was the fact that you weren't given any background information at the beginning of the book. I was thrown into the now moment. I really enjoyed this book because the fact that once you pick it up it’s superglued to your hand and you can't put it down. The book may relevant to readers because it shows us that we can't always trust the man in the mirror meaning we can't always trust ourselves to make the best choices and decisions.

My Recommendation:

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a little science fiction as well as a little romance tangled up with it. If you do pick this book up, make sure you have a lot of time to read it, I didn’t want to put it down. Excellent read for anyone ages 14 and up. If you enjoyed the movie Oblivion you must read Duplicity.  

Reviewed by J. R., Grade 11 Scona Student

Damned

Damned

by Chuck Palahniuk

Synposis:

Chuck’s done it again! Publishing Damned on September 1, 2011, 15 years after his widely successful novel Fight Club, Palahniuk’s mastery of writing is yet again showcased in his newer novel, Damned. Damned follows the exciting story of a teen, Maddy Spencer, who arrives in hell after a marijuana overdose. Maddy meets with characters based loosely on the breakfast club including, the punk, the pretty girl, the nerd, and the jock. This bunch forms an unlikely band of companions in the novel. Maddy is a witty and likeable character, viewing situations with equal amounts of humour and pessimism, creating a character who is both interesting and dynamic, adding to the lighthearted yet grim nature of the novel. Throughout the novel Maddy reveals clues about her past through short (and sometimes longer) anecdotes, hooking the reader, pressuring them to read on.  Palahniuk writes using his signature style of dark humour to create a story that is not only captivating and interesting, but humorous and doesn't take itself too seriously.

My Thoughts:

Damned was highly enjoyable and a very captivating read. In conclusion I would highly recommend it to other readers, especially those who find themselves enjoying stories written with a clever and humorous yet dark tone. It might be more difficult to understand for newer english readers due to the large number allusions in the novel, however the skilled reader is rewarded with a compelling and insightful story. I look forward to reading the next part of the series.

Reviewed by E.M., Grade 11 Scona Student

The Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief

by Rick Riordan

Synopsis:

We have all heard stories of the Greek heroes and Gods, but never would we have imagined that classic mythology would be entwined with our lives; author Rick Riordan successfully attempts to portray what everyday life would be like in the book The Lightning Thief. Published July 1, 2005, Riordan brings to life Percy Jackson, an extremely unique kid who has many problems, and none are his fault. Along with his many gifts (like being able to breathe underwater), Percy’s life is in constant danger. The only people protecting him are his crippled friend Grover, his handicapped Professor Chiron, and his mother. Although these people seem hopeless, in a very confusing turn of events we find out Grover is a satyr, Professor Chiron turned out to be none other the the immortal teacher of demigods Chiron, and his mother the Greek God Poseidon's ex-girlfriend. All this happens very fast and Percy Jackson finds out he is a demigod, son of the God of the seas, Poseidon. Percy being very different from other kids now makes sense, and just when Percy is about to accept this fact and keep his sanity, everything goes wrong. The minotaur, a Greek entity half man half bull, kidnapped his mother. Percy has to get himself to safety in a camp; Camp Half Blood, is a camp where all others in the world who are like Percy go for safety, training, and education. As Percy is considered powerful by other gods, he gets involved with a conspiracy. He was accused of stealing the weapon of the King of the Gods; Zeus’s Master Bolt. As Percy is clueless as to what was happening he soon embarks on an exhilarating adventure to prove himself innocent and save his mother. He travels through the depths of the underworld, battles with gods, demons, and monsters, but all for what? Does he end up saving all he was fighting for, his honour, his mother, himself?

Thoughts:

I would highly recommend this novel to any beginner readers, as it is not advanced literature but it is a quick, easy, and entertaining read. Anybody interested in classic mythology would also like this book as Rick Riordan gives his own twist to Greek stories. I personally love the way the story turns out and now I have the whole series including the next one which is based on Roman mythology. This book also helps to advance new readers as his books become more advanced over the years. The Lightning Thief is full of suspense, action, romance, and comedy. Overall it is the perfect read. However Riordan writes in a style which he assumes that the reader has basic knowledge on the subject, and if you do not know your classic mythology this is not the best choice for you.

Reviewed by H.C. & N.P., Grade 11 Scona Students

Crossing the Line

Crossing the Line: The Outrageous Story of a Hockey Original

by: Derek Sanderson and Kevin Shea

Synopsis:

From winning the Stanley Cup and being the highest paid athlete in the world to living on a park bench in New York City. The life of Derek Sanderson is an original that has a new twist every time you turn the page. Derek Sanderson was born on June 16 1946 to his mother, Caroline, and his father, Harold in Niagara Falls Ontario. His Father worked in a Kimberly-Clark factory so naturally the Sanderson’s were a working class family. Derek’s hockey career started at around the age of four after his mother read in a issue of Maclean’s magazine stated that being a hockey player was Canada’s most respected occupation. Derek’s father noticed from an early age that Derek had the desire and talent to be a hockey player, and at the age of nineteen Derek got the chance to play in his first National Hockey League (NHL) game in December of 1965 with the Boston Bruins.

Derek then went on to win two Stanley Cups with the Bruins. However as fast as the fame came for Derek it went and he soon entered the world of drugs and alcohol. In the latter part of his autobiography Derek explains his road to recovery.

My Thoughts:

This novel, without question has been one of the best biographical books that I have read, and maybe one of the best books I have read. The reason why I chose this novel is I have always enjoyed nonfiction stories more than I have fiction, as well as I have been involved with hockey since I was five years old so any novel that involves hockey is more than interesting for me. This book is a fairly easy read because of its compelling story and its ability to hook the reader into continuing. However some background knowledge of hockey is something that I would recommend. No background knowledge of hockey may hinder your ability to fully comprehend the book. This novel brings the reality of how people in the public eye can easily fall of tract and go into a miserable stint in their lives. Although reading this book can give people who are in similar situations such as Derek was, a chance at rehabilitation from their addictions and a more positive view to recovering from addictions. The authors should be applauded for how they wrote this book in such a positive way even though there are some points in the book that are dark. A nice feature in this book was that the authors added some pictures from Derek’s life that really enhanced your understanding of his background. If you like nonfiction and hockey without a doubt this is a must read.

Reviewed by E. H., Grade 11 Scona Student

If I Stay

IF I STAY

by Gayle Forman

Synopsis:

Mia is a 17 year old girl who is a very talented cello player with a love for classical music. She is very close to her family which consists of two very supportive and loving parents and her little brother Teddy who is a fun loving kid. She also has a strong relationship with her edgy boyfriend Adam who shares her love for music. Mia has everything until her family gets into a bad car accident on a snowy day. She ends up comatose in a hospital where she realizes she isn’t able to interact with others the same way as she could before. While her friends and family try to deal with the situation that has just happened to her family Mia begins to flash back through memories from her life. Mia has a choice and these memories are showing her what she still has to live for but whether or not she wants to leave her family will also greatly contribute to this decision.

My Thoughts:

If I stay was a very thought provoking and emotional book. It makes you think about what you would do if placed in a similar scenario and realize everything you have to live for. As Mia is in a coma and we see her reactions and thoughts about her flashback memories we become closer to her character as well as the characters involved. While Mia shifts back and forth between whether she should stay or go the emotion builds. This book definitely held my interest from beginning to end and there was always something happening to keep you thinking. However sometimes it could get confusing when she switched between past and present talking about her memories. This novel was still very enjoyable and easy to read, i would pick it up again.

Reviewed by M.R., Grade 11 Scona Student

Hellhole

Hellhole

by Gina Damico

Synopsis:

A devil is a bad influence . . . 

There was a time when geeky, squeaky-clean Max Kilgore would never lie or steal or even think about murder. Then he accidentally unearths a devil, and Max’s choices are no longer his own. The big red guy has a penchant for couch surfing and junk food—and you should never underestimate evil on a sugar high. 

With the help of Lore, a former goth girl who knows a thing or two about the dark side, Max is racing against the clock to get rid of the houseguest from hell before time, and all the Flamin’ Hot Cheetos this side of the fiery abyss, run out. 

My thoughts:

This dark comedy will have readers laughing out loud as they cheer on Max as he tries to get rid of the devil that has moved into his basement.

Max makes a mistake when he steals a silly toy for his ill mother.  This mistake allows a devil, one of 666 that live in hell to invade Max’s basement reeking havoc into the usual straight laced teen’s life.  Max, optimistic throughout the story, sees an opportunity and makes a deal with the devil.  The wisecracking devil, Burg,  will cure Max’s mother’s critical illness on the condition that Max find Burg a mansion with a hot tub.  The condition being that the mansion must be gotten by illegal means.  Afterall, Burg is a devil.  Enter the love interest Lore, a girl who understands Max’s dilemma only too well.  The pair team up to try to appease Burg before complete chaos erupts.

Readers will adore the lovable and endearing Max an awkward, shy teenager who is trying to balance taking care of his ailing mother, work and school.  Burg, the devil, with his snarky commentary and antics will keep readers laughing and entertained throughout.  Lore, the girl who steps up to help Max rid himself of his unwanted houseguest is a perfect round out for the cast.  She too is socially awkward while at the same time witty.  The plot is engaging and entertaining.  With Damico’s wry wit and constant dark humor, Hellohole is a quick funny read that will not disappointed.

Read Between The Lines

Read Between The Lines

by Jo Knowles

Synopsis:

Thanks to a bully in gym class, unpopular Nate suffers a broken finger—the middle one, splinted to flip off the world. It won’t be the last time a middle finger is raised on this day. Dreamer Claire envisions herself sitting in an artsy café, filling a journal, but fate has other plans. One cheerleader dates a closeted basketball star; another questions just how, as a "big girl," she fits in. A group of boys scam drivers for beer money without remorse—or so it seems. Over the course of a single day, these voices and others speak loud and clear about the complex dance that is life in a small town. They resonate in a gritty and unflinching portrayal of a day like any other, with ordinary traumas, heartbreak, and revenge. But on any given day, the line where presentation and perception meet is a tenuous one, so hard to discern. Unless, of course, one looks a little closer—and reads between the lines.

My thoughts:

A unique novel set in a small town over the course of one day brings readers into the minds of nine teens and one teacher who, may pass each other through the school hallways, but are connected with that common angry gesture of the finger.

Readers will empathize with characters like Nate, who suffers a broken finger in gym class thanks to a bully but upon return from the hospital when he feels empowered by his splint finger — the middle one — and holds it as a weapon.  And on this day the finger —a gesture of power for Nate, or shame for Claire — will appear ten times over the course of the day.  The voices of the characters are at times gritty but are always honest.  Every reader will be able to find a home somewhere in the course of the novel.  Perhaps with the boy who lives with a distant father; the recent graduate who is counting the time before he can move on to his dream job; the brother and sister who are harassed by their neighbour; a gay couple that can’t be out and open; the girl who feels like she’s nobody; the girl struggling to fit in while accepting herself for who she is; or one of the other characters.

Knowles masterfully weaves these narratives together using the middle finger as her anchor. It’s smart and realistic.

Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda

Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda

by Becky Albertalli

Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn''t play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone''s business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he''s been emailing with, will be compromised.

With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon''s junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he''s pushed out-without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he''s never met.

My thoughts:

Sixteen-year-old  Simon Spier is gay and he's having an email relationship with an unknown boy, Blue,  this year at his school. Simon is not ready to come out but when his emails fall into the wrong hands, Simon’s secret becomes very public.  What could be a very serious and depressing story instead is an engaging uplifting romance that deals with real issues young adults face..

I loved this story told from the first person point of view of Simon.  He is funny, authentic and relatabled.  His family and friends are supportive and likeable. Readers will race through this to find out the identity of the Simon’s secretive love interest and will be rooting for Simon and Blue as they follow along through the emails sent back and forth between the two characters.  Not only does this story deal with Simon coming out to his family and friends but also focus’ on friendships, consequences of actions, bullying and prejudice.  After finishing this story it is hard not to smile.  One of my favorite reads this year!  Highly recommended for anyone who likes romance, suspense and humor.

Duplicity

Duplicity 

by N. K. Traver

Synopsis:

In private, seventeen-year-old Brandon hacks bank accounts just for the thrill of it. In public, he looks like any other tattooed bad boy with a fast car and devil-may-care attitude. He should know: he's worked hard to maintain that façade. With inattentive parents who move constantly from city to city, he''s learned not to get tangled up in things like friends and relationships. So he'll just keep living like a machine, all gears and wires.

Then two things shatter his carefully-built image: Emma, the kind, stubborn girl who insists on looking beneath the surface - and the small matter of a mirror reflection that starts moving by itself. Not only does Brandon''s reflection have a mind of its own, but it seems to be grooming him for something--washing the dye from his hair, yanking out his piercings, swapping his black shirts for . pastels. Then it tells him: it thinks it can live his life better, and it's preparing to trade places.

And when it pulls Brandon through the looking-glass, not only will he need all his ill-gotten hacking skills to escape, but he''s going to have to face some hard truths about who he''s become. Otherwise he'll be stuck in a digital hell until he's old and gray, and Emma and his parents won''t even know he's gone.

My thoughts:

A mind-bending, original story that teens are going to love. Brandon is a high-school senior with a bad boy persona with a highly developed skill as a computer hacker. He spends his spare time hacking into secure accounts, stealing credit card numbers to fund his fetish for fast cars and tattoos. But one day, Brandon sees his reflection in a mirror doing things it’s not supposed to be doing. Little by little, his reflection—which he names “Obran” or Other Brandon—informs Brandon that he is getting ready to trade places with Brandon.  Brandon has been a bad boy and Obran is going to do better.  On the day Obran is successful Brandon wakes up in a prison cell-like room, where a computer voice informs him that he has been incarcerated for computer hacking, and must serve out a twenty-year sentence as part of something called Project Duplicity. In the meantime the duplicate Obran will be living Brandon’s life.  A computer entity named JENA now controls his every waking—and sleeping—moments, forcing him to work on computer codes. Brandon knows that Obran, his lookalike, has taken over his real life, and he’s desperate to get home.

Traver’s story, with its lightning-fast pace, richly imagined virtual world, and  mind-bending plot twists will keep readers glued to the page.

Things We Know By Heart

Things We Know By Heart

by Jessi Kirby

Plot: 

When Quinn Sullivan’s life gets turned upside down by the death of her boyfriend Trent, she is determined to find the recipients of Trent’s donated organs.  Many of the recipients replied to her letters, but the one she wants to find the most remains silent. The recipient of Trent’s heart. Quinn cannot take it anymore, so she takes matters into her own hands to find the beneficiary. When an unintentional encounter leads to something more, Quinn is torn.  She feels alive again around Colton, whose life has been changed completely by Trent’s death, but will the truth tear them apart or bring them even closer together?

My thoughts:

I was wandering through the library when the cover of this book caught my eye. I immediately felt sorry for the main character Quinn, I couldn’t imagine how hard it would be to lose someone that close to you.  The story seemed like it would be the kind of book that would make me happy, so I picked it up and took it out.  As I kept reading, I got more into the book and I could not put it down. I felt like I was Quinn, as if all this was happening to me. I felt every emotion she felt.  This book reminded me a lot of the movie The Fault in Our Stars at some points, the main character Quinn is a lot like the main character in the movie, Hazel. They both go through a lot in their lives, and find ways to overcome these obstacles.  All the characters in this book are fairly well rounded, although we do not learn much about the other characters besides Quinn, Trent and Colton.  

I highly recommend this book, and I think it would make a great movie as well! Anyone who enjoys romance novels with a happy twist will like this book written by Jessi Kirby.

Reviewed by A.S., Grade 10 Scona student

Sick

Sick

by Tom Leveen

Plot:

The story takes place in a small town that is overrun with a disease that make the infected hostile against those that are not. When things go bad at the town’s fenced in high school and the protagonist Brian gets trapped in the drama room he realizes that he has to save his sister and ex girlfriend from the infected students before they get them.

My thoughts:

While the book has all the things a zombie book should have, namely suspense, horror, and gore, it does not do too much to expand on it. While the author does make it so that the infected are not undead but sick with a disease, this makes it difficult morally for the survivors to kill them even when they directly threaten their lives and they have seen what they do to people they catch, the suspense and horror go away towards the middle of the book, even the gore starts to go away, though it comes back every once and a while. I liked the characters though sometimes you just wonder why they say or do some things and the setting was quite interesting. You can feel bad for the characters and understand their fears and worries but the protagonist Brian and his friend Chad can do or say things that don’t make much sense.

I recommend this book as it is still a good read and you may enjoy it more than I did though I don’t recommend it for those that can’t take very descriptive gore in books. For its few flaws I can still recommend Sick by Tom Leveen to lovers of zombie horror stories.

reviewed by A.K., Grade 10 Scona student

The Calling

The Calling (Endgame #1)

by James Frey and Nils Johnson-Shelton  

Plot:  

Imagine that you could be called upon to fight for you and your family line at any moment, but you didn’t know when. That your whole life you were trained to kill with flawless efficiency, and dispatch your enemies with ease. That there were eleven others just like you with different skills, mindsets and personalities. This is no ordinary competition. This is Endgame. Conditions, the players must be between the ages of 13 and 20 to play. To win, the players must collect three keys hidden around Earth. The rules, none. The winner spares his or hers family line from extinction. The losers die. Who will win? Will strength beat intelligence? Ruthlessness over kindness? Strong over weak? There can only be one. This is Endgame.     

My Thoughts:   

I got this book on my 16th birthday, which wasn’t long ago (March 26th) and I really liked this book. After reading the back of the book I thought it was gonna be another Hunger Games type of book, but after reading the first few chapters I was instantly drawn to it. The introduction and backstory of the characters was short yet informative, giving me ideas of what type of person he or she was. As you read on you get an idea of everyone’s perspective on the Endgame which really intrigued me to keep on reading. As I mentioned earlier this book reminded me of the Hunger Games novel but with a cool, sci-fi twist with it which I think makes it more appealing. Some of the character are really well rounded but I would of liked to know more of some the other characters backstory or history.    

I would recommend this book to people who like action, suspense, and some parts of romance. the second book to this series, Sky Key (Endgame #2) is out if you want to continue with the story I suggest you pick it up when you have the chance. But the first book, The Calling by James Frey and Nils Johnson-Shelton, is definitely worth the read.

Reviewed by B.C., Grade 10 Scona student

The Naturals

The Naturals

by Michael Buckley

Plot: 

17 year old Cassie is a natural at reading people. Pulling details from all directions, solving puzzles, she can tell who you are and what you are up to.  She has never officially acknowledged her talent, that is, until the FBI show up at her doorstep. In seek of teenagers to make up a program that uses them to break cases, they need Cassie. When Cassie arrives everything is not as it seems, she realizes more is at stake than she ever thought. Living with people with talents just as unusual as hers, and that can lead to consequences. A new killer comes about and all the naturals have to bond together and combine their strengths in order to remain alive.

My thoughts:

Right from the book talk this book was one that caught my attention. And I must say, it did not fail to impress. I love the show criminal minds and this is much like it. Unsolved mysteries in every direction and each page left you hanging. The author did a great job of creating images which allowed you to engage yourself in the book on a level that kept you reading. I believe this book is a hit or miss because either you like it and understand it from the start, but if not it would be pointless to read on. There was rarely any parts that i did not enjoy each section led to a different unsolved problem/ mystery. I would highly recommend this book to all the criminal minds lovers.

reviewed by B.S., Grade 10 Scona student