Alex Rider: Scorpia

Once stung, twice as deadly. Alex Rider wants revenge.

Alex Rider is in Venice, looking for secrets long-buried in the past. Was his father really a ruthless assassin – and if so, what does that make Alex?

The truth lies with the shadowy criminal organization known as Scorpia, and soon Alex will have to make a choice: will he continue to work for MI6, who have manipualted him?

Or will Alex join Scorpia – and get his revenge?

All Quiet on the Western Front - Erich Maria Remarque

Diana Oppenheimer, A2, Mrs. Huss

All Quiet on the Western Front, by Erich Maria Remarque, is a story about World War I, and a young man who struggles to survive during it. The young man is Paul Baumer, he is a German in the Kaiser’s army, and he has no reason for fighting other than the fact that he signed up to.

When Paul did sign up, he was a zealous young man, full of plans and patriotism. In the ensuing years, though, he discovers the truth about the horrors of war, and about the people he is fighting against. Paul reads the name of a man he has killed and looks at the pictures of his family. Convinced that nothing can come from a war that sets good men against one another, Paul swears to fight for an end to needless killing in the world. However, he and many other disillusioned soldiers like him do not have the chance to: for them, peacetime never comes.

All Quiet on the Western Front completely destroys the popular illusion of “death and glory” on the battlefield. It handles controversial topics, like the morality and realities of war, with clarity and strong imagery. This book deserves a 10 out of 10 rating. I loved it. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes war novels or classics, or both.

"Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk

Zack Ragozzino
Per. A3 Mrs. Huss


Fight Club follows the point of view of an unnamed narrator who suffers from severe insomnia. He dreams of breaking away from his repetitive life and his wish is soon granted when Tyler Durden comes into the story. An explosion destroys all of the narrator's personal possessions and he must live in the care of his new friend Tyler. With the help of Durden, he learns not to rely on his possessions or follow society. With the creation of a Fight Club they manage to create a rebellion to fight back against the rules of authority. While this rebellious attitude starts out as minor, it soon grows to huge proportions to a point where it starts to get out of hand.

I loved this book mainly for three reasons. Firstly, the writing style is very specific and the reader is sure to learn a thing or two about soap making or the creation of napalm. Secondly, the characters are really well written to a point where they never seem to get boring. Lastly, the novel ends with a twist that made me rethink and reread the entire novel. I would definitely give this book a rating of 10/10 because I enjoyed every part of it. The action was thrilling, and the rebellious acts were really entertaining. Plus, there is a lot of themes that characters talk about, and they are easy to interpret. If you enjoy psychological thrillers and are okay with a large amount of dark humor then I would definitely suggest this book.

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart follows the story of a young girl trying to prove herself to the world. Frankie believes, and it's quite true, that everyone around her underestimates her. From her parents, to her friends, every assumes she's as simple as a bunny rabbit. However, Frankie is far from it.

The old Frankie, the mildly-geeky, debate club champion was gone. The new Frankie, was cool, collected, and completely brilliant. Especially when she finds out about her boyfriends secret society. And especially brilliant, when she decides to take it over. Sophomore year for Frankie is a big one. From school to family to all the many many pranks to be done.

I give this book a 8 out of 10 because I found it to be intriguing and covered a wide array of ideas and philosophies that I thought were interesting. However some of it was a bit cliche with the main character's romantics as well as the story line was somewhat predictable. However if you're looking for good entertainment, The Disreputable History is definitely a good choice.

Robert E.Lee: By Roy Blount, Jr.

Talented military general, celebrated Virginian, and an overall sound human being; it has finally come time to elaborate upon the once great life of the one, the only, Robert Edward Lee. Though much of his being was unknown, Roy Blount, Jr. uses his outstanding history knowledge to give great character background, as well as show how Lee evolved over his lifetime. With vibrant storytelling and a distinct patriotic writing style, Blount creatively communicates with readers early on in his novel that Robert E. Lee would not only change the state of Virginia, but the landscape of the United States of America.
Engrossed by what made Lee such a great, yet understanding leader in the eyes of his followers, Blount digs deep into Robert's family roots to discover what individuals in his life molded a unique young mind into a strong military man. Being raised in a family where he was looked upon as the son of a convicted felon was not easy in the least, but Robert overcame adversity, becoming Abraham Lincoln's first choice to lead the Union Army against Confederate forces in the year of 1861. But Lee's immediate family, as well as his past history in Virginia was to much to overlook; which led him to overtaking Confederate command in that same year. Robert E. Lee, the first true biography of this American legend, will apeal to history and military fanatics, proud Americans, and all individuals who want to learn more about a man that changed the course of American history. Personally, after reading a wide variety of biographies over my lifetime, I feel that Roy Blount Jr., does a fine job of capturing the utter essence of the once prominent American, Robert Edward Lee. On a scale of one to ten, ten being the best book I have ever read, I rate Robert E. Lee a strong eight, as it was a wonderfully written and informative novel, with the need of minor improvements.

Sincerely,

Zach Bluebond

Siddhartha by Herman Hesse

Siddhartha is the story of a boy's search for inner-peace in Buddhist India. While on his journey, he meets te Buddha, betrays one of his only friends, and contemplates suicide. The life during the times of the Buddha are elegantly displayed throughout the story and in a way that those inexperienced can still relate to. The detail in Hesse's writing is precise, his words sharp, and the imagery is picturesque. Hesse achieved the perfect level of strong descriptive words and narrating words to make the book seem balanced. His characterization is not too overpowering but enough to make the reader feel attached to all the different characters. I strongly recommend this book to those who not only enjoy good books, but books with meaning and artistic detail. I do not recommend this book to those who hate all things detailed and interesting because they would rather use the pages as kindling for a giant book burning for other copies of Siddhartha. Personally, I would give this book an 8/10 because I enjoyed it so much, that the story went too fast and I wanted there to be more. I also give Siddhartha this score because some of the parts in the story are awkward, even while reading in your head so here is my warning to those who are not suited. If one is still up for the task, I suggest those who enjoy books that are not all just killing and violence to make this an option for reading. Also, those who enjoy traveling to new worlds and exploring in their reading should definitely check out this book.


NOTE: You will most likely have to read this book again later on in High School. It is still good enough to read more than once.

-Tristan P. per. A2

Nineteen Eighty-Four

Pessimism, negativity, the belief that humanity in it's struggle for power will eventually destroy itself. Not exactly a state of mind you would strive to achieve. Luckily for us George Orwell has already explored the very depths pessimistic predictions. Even luckier, Orwell decided to compose all his delightfully dark prophecies into one delightfully dark book. 1984.

1984 tells the tale of Winston Smith, a simple citizen of the superpower Oceania. Winston rebels against the all powerful Party and it's leader, Big Brother. This rebellion, entirely philosophical, allows Winston to figure out what he truly believes in, not just delightfully dark Party Ideals.

Well of course the phrase "delightfully dark" is entirely subjective. If you so happen to be a believer in totalaristic Communism, then ignore everything negative I say about 1984. In fact 1984 will fill you with the warm fuzzy feelings not unlike those felt when frolicking in fields of flowers. The utopia you dream of has arrived in literary form. Indulge. On the other hand if you believe in individuality, love, family, and everything else that makes us who we are... well you might find yourself shacking your fist at the sky quite often. But by no means don't read this book. It is a truly is great read for anyone of any beliefs.

What makes 1984 such a great book is the unique ideas that have been incorporated into it. Normally absurd and terrible (again, the Communist should be giddy with joy) principals such as doublethink, newspeak, and thoughtcrime are as easily believable as 2+2=4. But wait? In 1984 2+2=5? It's amazing to think of it. That people can be manipulated to such a great extent is one of the fascinating core principals of 1984.

If I were to rate this book, I would have to say a solid 9 out of 10. It is a fascinating story of the discovery of individuality, and then the destruction of said individuality. Not only does it introduce brilliant new principals it brings up one we don't normally like to face. That utopia, the perfect society, might just be the most totalaristic of states.
-Austin Weng, A2