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.