Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

The book Wintergirls holds the readers attention and is hard to put down. It is the story of a girl, Lia, who is an anorexic: she is obsessed with being thin and it becomes her life. She tells herself to "lose more" and "remain in control" all things that supposedly "keep her strong". She also hears encouragements from her dead bulimic friend, Cassie. Her parents try to stop her, but there is nothing anyone can do for Lia. I would highly recommend this heart-wrenching story, because at the end the reader escapes Lia's depressing life with a new found understanding of the mind-set and feelings of an anorexic teenager.

Kassidy Garland

The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

When I think of classic novels, one of the first books that pop into my mind is Catcher in the Rye written by J. D. Salinger. The main character Holden Caulfield is the epitome of teenage angst. When he gets kicked out of his prestigious boarding school, Holden decides to gallivant around New York for awhile instead of going home. What I find most interesting about this book is that Salinger wrote it in such a way that all of the crazy-stupid things Holden gets himself into seems like nothing out of the norm. This book is truly one of a kind and I would reccomend it to anybody.


Bethany Porten

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

The Time Travelers Wife written by Audrey Niffenegge is an unconventional story about two people, Clare Abshire and Henry DeTamble. Niffenegge tries to show her readers that love is perpetual by giving Henry Chronic Displacemnet Disorder (CDD). Henry frequently finds himself in different time periods. This is how Clare Abshire met Henry when she was 6. Clare and Henry have always known eachother and will know eachother. Although this situation may sound ideal Clare and Henry often find themselves in difficult situations. Whereas Henry is the one put in real danger, constantly being beaten up and arrested as a result of his CDD, Clare has is left at home worrying about him. I would reccomend this riveting novel for anyone intereseted in a casual and quick read.


Bethany Porten

Behind Hitler's Lines by Thomas Taylor

I literally just set this book down, and all in all I would recommend it as a very interesting, "page-turner" style work. At some points I have to admit I was left scratching my head as to how this could possibly be grounded in real-life events. (I guess that could be said about almost every element of the Nazi regime) However, the little research I did into the novel before reading seemed to confirm that it was in fact true. That element of the novel makes it enthralling. Even for a second, to put yourself in the position of the novel's main character, Beryle, truly offers insight into the fear that war creates for all those involved. While the book does not ever truly offer a concise message, a simple "war is horrific" theme can clearly be interpreted throughout.

If you have an interest in anything and everything that is WWII based as I do, I am sure you will thoroughly enjoy this novel.


Rhett Davis

The Cunning Man by Robertson Davies

This work manages to be both entertaining and intelligent. Dr. Jonathan Hullah, is a holistic physician-a cunning diagnostician who is often able to get to the root of problems that have baffled others. A young reporter's query about the circumstances surrounding an Episcopalian priest's death at the high altar on Good Friday leads the doctor to reflect on his own life and career. While the issues addressed are those of the nature of friendship, religion, faith, and artistic life-the approach is anything but arrogant and dry. Davies's characterizations are rich. I found the work to be terribly interesting and to truly stimulate thought.


Rhett Davis

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

I believe this work to be the best sci-fi novel I have ever read. Powerfully expressive, intensely intellectual, and as exciting as it could possibly be, this book is simply fantastic. Written as the definition of a “page turner”, I finished the book in one setting as I simply could not set it down. The imagery and poignant ideas remain long after the last page is read, making it a perfect discussion book. Its view of politics in the Internet age is incredibly discerning, especially considering it was written decades ago even before one could truly grasp the power the internet would some day have. I would certainly call this a must read for those even slightly interested in sci-fi.


Rhett Davis

Invisible by Pete Hautman

At seventeen young Douglas is virtually "invisible" not being well known in school and very antisocial. Staring at the prettiest girl in the school from anywhere accessible. Having his best friend being his polar opposite still does not give him any luck. Focusing on a precious train set left for him by his grandfather Invisible is a very entertaining read that keeps you wondering on the next event constantly. The title comes into more significance as you gradually read through the book. The book is narrated by Douglas himself describing everything through his point of view. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in books that instantly grasp your attention with 2-3 chapters.

Erick Rodriguez

Slaughterhouse- Five by Kurt Vonnegut

I suppose you could label this work science fiction, even though the elements that make it so are passé and unsophisticated. The sci-fi angle is one Vonnegut uses to excellent effect. It points out how otherworldly a war scene can feel, how memories can be real enough to throw the time gamut out of synch, and how some superior intellect in the universe can explain, almost deterministically, why things are as they are and people do as they do.

One question that must be pondered following a reading of the work is: does Vonnegut himself truly believe in the free will of the individual even though his characters suggest otherwise. I believe he does and merely uses the characters in the novel as counterexamples to his true feelings.

Rhett Davis

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Animal Farm is a masterfully written work of political allegory. The animals revolt against humans running a farm, and for a short while everything is magnificent —that is until the pigs get out of hand. It is brilliantly symbolic of the chaos that ensues when revolution goes awry. Allegory is certainly a difficult element of literature to master; however, Orwell manages it superbly: while true appreciation of Animal Farm requires an understanding of the history of the Russian revolution, those without it will still grasp the message due to the writer's skillful use of language.

Rhett Davis

Fast Food Nation

This is probably the best book you will ever read id you want to know the truth about fast Food. Fast food has hastened the malling of our landscape, widened the chasm betweeen rich and poor, Fueled an epidemic of obesity, and propelled american cultural imperialism abroad.

Cirque du Freak A Vampire's Assistant

A book that's fun to read. I recommend you read this first book of the freak show/Vampire series. It's full of twists and turns, but pay attention to what you read so you know what happens on Darren's quest to being a vampire's assistant. I really enjoyed the series and I recommend you keep on reading each book. Osvaldo H.

A Theory of Justice

One of the first books challenging the daunting utilitarian framework, A Theory of Justice, has succeeded as a viable alternative to the more engrained utilitarian doctrine. John Rawls unique prescience enabled him to present a theory that insidiously dismantles utilitarianism through a series of thought experiments. Rawls ultra moral proposition of the "Veil of Ignorance" describes the idea that a theory of justice can only be just if the creator of that theory is unbiased. The way to acheive perfect objectiveness on behalf of the creator is to assume a "veil of ignorance", which is the notion that the creator does not know his or her own position in society. They may be poor, rich, intelligent, or immoral, all of which could potentially influence the agenda of people who are entering this basic contract. Derivative of contract theory, a theory of justice outlines a theory that can be interpreted as a hybrid between contract theory and utilitarianism, eloquently striking a middle-ground.

Jimmy Sagan

Consciousness Explained

Daniel Dennett eloquently derails the most intuitive notions of consciousness and offers a fresh perspective. The first couple of pages were confusing and counterintuitive, but eventually I came to see Dennet's theory as a formidable challenge to "The Cartesian Theatre". The "Cartesian Theatre" describes the entrenched idea of consciousness and reveals the fallability of the theory, ultimately revealing "The Great Illusion". Cartestian Materialism panders to the notion that our brains present conscious material to the mind, but unless there is an active super-natural agent, this notion seems unlikely at best. Dennet deconstructs this notion and introduces "The Multiple Drafts" theory, a theory that is capable of describing consciousness without the aid of a super-natural agent. Naturally, this theory requires a deconstruction of the most entrenched presuppositions of the mechanisms of consciousness, and describes consciousness as a connectivity between thousands of neural specialists that form coalitions. These neural demons only apprehend information once, which then goes through the rigorous process of revision. This concept dispels of the "Cartesian Theatre" and proves that our brains do not recapitulate information for the benefit of the observer, because there is no observer. Dennet's book is thoroughly complex, inaccesible, and even frustrating at times.However, the value of such a theory far outweighs the mental labor that is required to fully grasp the over-arching concepts of the book. This brilliant book has undoubtedly shed light on the nature of the brain and it is a brilliant attempt at dismissing the mind/brain problem as base.


Jimmy Sagan

Shredderman

Shredderman is a series of books. An easy, and quick read, but will make you want to read the next one in the series. Shredderman is probably one of the most enjoyable series of books I have ever read. There is a huge secret to the series but you will have to read the novels to find out. If your looking for a fun, quick and enjoyable read, than pick up Shredderman, you won't regret it!

Chip B.

Mickey Mantle Biography

The Biography of Mickey Mantle is a novel about a guy who built him self up from the ground. Being the oldest child in a family is tough enough, but in the middle of the great depression? This biography recaps Mantle's ups and downs he suffered to be one of America's ultimate baseball heros. A great novel for a sports lover.

Chip B.

The Outsiders

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is a novel that all teenagers should read. Most kids read this book in early years of high school or middle school, either way this novel is outstanding. This book somewhat reminds you of your own town you live in. If you can relate to this story than you will most likely really enjoy it. Stay Gold.

Chip B.

Hoot

Hoot is a quick read, with an intruiging adventure as the plot. This book has a great enviromental message and if your the kind of person who likes reading about action packed adventures and great endings, than this is the book for you. I would reccomend the novel Hoot to most young high school students.

Chip B.

Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen

Water for Elephants is book about the 1932 circus. It takes place when a young man named Jacob, who has recently been orphaned, jumps a passing train, and enters a world of circus freaks. He joins the circus as the circus vet and meets the love of his life, Marlena. This book is beautifully written and takes you to a different time and place. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone.. But I do warn you it is a bit of a romance :)

The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.

If you have forgotten about what a global icon and world leader MLK was, than this novel will certainely remind you. He was a passionate man with great ideas. This novel takes you from his backround, to his most memorable speeches. I would reccomend this novel to all students because it is a very inspirational book and shows you what a true 'leader' should like.

Chip B.

Gandhi an Autobiography

After reading this novel, I learned a lot about Mahatma Gandhi. Before this book, I only knew him by his quotes and what I had read about him on the internet. But now I know about his what made him a great individual and his Indian history. A great read for all high school students looking for an autobiography about a true leader.

Chip B.

The Pigman

In The Pigman by Paul Zindel, to Sophomores John and Lorraine, nothing is important. They certainly can never please their parents. To pass the time, they play pranks on unsuspecting people. It's during one of these pranks that they meet the "Pigman", a kind, fat, balding old man. You will soon find how the 3 make a connection. I really enjoyed this novel and most High School students would as well.

Chip B.

The Wringer

Jerry Spinelli's "Wringer" is a very special book: a novel that is marketed to younger readers, but which also has much to offer teenagers. This is a powerful and message sending book. Once you pick up this novel, you will not want to put it down! You will be very intruiged by Spinelli's novel.

Chip B.

Lord of the Flies

A great book to those who can understand the books true meaning. Every object of the book has a meaning - the conch for unity. The beast for the darker side of humanity. Even Piggy - his logic and brains show that looks aren't everything. I would recommend this novel to most highschool students. Lord of the Flies is for more mature readers, but most students would follow the novel fairly easy.

Chip B.

Of Mice and Men

I recently read Of Mice and Men for an English class. I really enjoyed this novel. In Of Mice and Men, you learn a lot about friendship and loyalty. It is a great and enjoyable read for all highschool students. Steinbeck's great description of the setting and all the characters shows what life was like back in the 1930's.

Chip B.

A brave new world

A brave new World, written by Aldous Huxley, is a very interesting book about a futuristic utopian society in which everyone is genetically changed to fit a specific roll in life. There are some people who live on reservations similar to indian reservations and there an old way of life is preserved. The story follows one person from a reservation and a man who takes him from the reservation and introduces him to the society. This book is very good and I enjoyed it all the way through. I highly recommend this book.
Steven Lee

Song of the Sparrow

I recently read Song of the Sparrow, by Lisa Anne Sandel. Although poetry is certainly not my favorite form of literature, I enjoyed this particular book. It is a version of the story about Camelot, from the perspective of Elaine (the subject of the poem The Lady of Shalott). Sandel writes about themes like freindship, understanding, jealousy, and self-confidence in a poetic format. Through learning about Gwynivere, a seemingly vain girl, Elaine comes to realize more about herself and the people she loves. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys poetry or the story of Camelot.
(Megan, the latest book in the series you were talking about came out a few days ago, I believe it is titled Burned)
Jordan

I just finished reading an amazing book called Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann, an Irish author. The story is set in New York City on one day in August 1974--the day that a tightrope walker actually walked a cable between the World Trade Center towers. McCann creates a myriad of characters from all walks of life: a priest living in the projects in the Bronx, his brother who arrives from Ireland, grieving mothers from different socioeconomic backgrounds who lost their sons in the Vietnam war, some original computer hackers, a judge whose hasty decision sets in motion bizarre and tragic events, and the city of New York is itself personified. All are brought together in different ways on one day as McCunn weaves his intricate but very human tale. This is a story about loss, longing, friendship, and chance. In my opinion this novel is a work of literary merit, and I highly recommend it to those who like to follow a complex plot with diverse and daring characters.
Shelah Brown

House of Night series

I recently finished reading the House of Night series by P. C. and Kristin Cast and greatly enjoyed it. It is a story of a teenage girl who chosen to become a vampire. She has a great deal of trouble adjusting to her new life, especially when she learns she has been chosen by the goddess Nyx to bring down the evil that haunts the house of night. I recomend this series to people who like action romances. Megan

Flowers of Algernon

Okay, over break I read Flowers of Algernon by Daniel Keyes. I loved this tragic, story about a man and his low IQ. He goes through a series of experiments that help him raise his IQ. Algernon is a mouse that also goes through these experiments. Charlie, is the main character and you just feel for him. Anyway, I think you would enjoy reading this tale about a man's discovery into the world of intelligence, his relationships with others, including himself, his love the Algernon and their deterioration. It is a quick, easy read. Milly

To Kill A Mockingbird

I've just finished reading "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee for about the fourth time. This si an excellent book with a serious message about striving to understand and accept others. The story follws a young girl, Scout, and her brother Jem as they grow up in Alabama. Their father Atticus is a lawyer, and in the book he defends an African American man named Tom Robinson. Issues of racism are prevelent throughout the case, and Scout and Jem grow throughout the story because of this case. The book is extremely well-written and sends a great message: "You will never understand a man until you walk in his shoes" -Atticus Finch.

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