Rule of the Bone By Russel Banks
Quick Review Great
In Russell Banks novel Rule of the Bone, the story is based around a teenaged boy by the name of Chapman Dorset whose nicknames are Chappie D. and Bone. Bone is your typical problematic child, his parents are divorced and his mom and stepfather (the people who raised him through his young life) are alcoholics and drug addicts. The stepfather Ken was sexually abusive towards Bone and would constantly abuse him in various ways. On the other hand his mom basically didn't know what to think ever since her divorce with Bone's real dad Paul. Banks tells us about the teenage years of Bone's life and his travels. . .
. . . In the end, it paid to read Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks. As a reader I learned new things about how people live and how crazy adventures can lead to independence. I was very pleased by the story and I would highly recommend this to readers who enjoy a good adventure with a modern twist and some violence to create suspense.
Reviewed by Michael
Grade 9
Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson
Quick Review Great
I recently read this novel in English class. It only took me three days to read because it really engrosses its readers into the plot of the story. Melinda Sordino is a quiet teen who is going into 9th grade. All of her friends have abandoned her and no one will talk to her not even her best friend Rachel. Her parents are worried and just think she's "going through a phase". But, there is something deep down that has scarred her. Melinda can't speak and can not show any emotions. Then there is IT who is always in the school and always flirting with the girls. IT who scares her IT who sends electric through her when he is near her. IT who is Andy Evans even starts dating her ex-best friend. She tries to tell people but she can't. This book shows you how hard it is for someone who gets raped and their journey to be social again. There is a lot of symbolism in this book and
a lot of great themes that you can learn from. Melinda is half scarred and half growing,which you will see in the novel. Give this book a try because you won't regret it. Also, if you read the novel there is also a movie that is very good.
Reviewed by Andrew
Grade 9
A Tale of Two Cities By Charles Dickens
Quick Review Great
This is a classic English novel about good and evil. Set in England
and France during the American and French revolution. England is not a
hostile environment while France is hostile and tryng to overthrow the
aristocrats. This begins the reign of terror in France. This book has many
memorable characters and evil characters like Madame Defarge. It may take a
little bit of time getting used to the style of writing. But, after you get
past the style you quickly get involved in the story. A very emotional and
thought provoking tale. This is a must for all classic book readers.
Reviewed by Andrew
Grade 9
Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson
Quick Review Great
This is a great novel that revolves around the protagonist Max. When Max and her group escape the lab the "Erasers" (which are these wolf-like people) try to defeat them. Max and the group are like humans except they have wings and can fly. When, Angel the youngest in the group gets taken the group vows to save her. This is a great book for anyone who likes action and adventure or science-fiction.
Reviewed by Andrew
Grade 9
Fahrenheit 451
By Ray Bradbury
Quick ReviewGreat
I had to read this book for summer reading, and at first I thought it
would be really boring. But,when I started reading it, I thought it was a very well written book. It's a classic, but it takes place in the future. Some of the topics discussed applied to current issues today. Especially the topics dealing with censorship and speaking out. I think if you're into Science Fiction, or a classic novel, this is a book for you.
Reviewed by Andrew
Grade 9
The Illustrated Man By Ray Bradbury
Quick Review Great
I had to read this for English and am glad that I did. The book has
a lot of social commentary in it and the problems have a lot to do with our
society. The book was written in the 50's but the themes still apply to
present-day. The book has a main theme which is a man who has all of these
tattos on him. Another man meets this "Illustrated Man" and starts talking
to him. The Illustrated Man tells the other man not to look at the tattos
at night, but the man looks at them anyway and all of the tattos come to
life. Each tatto is a short story. I liked most of the stories except "The
Highway" and "Kaleidoscope". This book is for anyone who is into science
fiction or the planets.
