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.