Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

The novel Bel Canto by Ann Patchett delves into the somewhat dystopian breakdown of society's expectatons when one is thrust into an unconventional lifestyle and isolated from the rest of the world.

The novel begins with a simple dinner party hosted by a President in an unknown South American country.  What the President hopes to achieve is a partnership between his nation and Nansei Industries, a company owned by key character Mr. Hosokawa, through throwing a birthday party for the distinguished guest.  To further bribe Mr. Hosokawa the President invites revered opera soprano Roxanne Coss to perform. However, on the night of the lavish event, the Vice President Ruben is given the task of entertaining the President's guests, as the President resigns himself to a night with his favourite "tele novella" or soap opera. The party runs remarkably smooth until the terrorist group "La familia de Martin Suarez" promptly arrives and takes the entire party hostage.

The omniscient perspective through which the story is told allows the reader to gain insight into each character, prompting a deeper connection to the hostages and even evoking pathos for some of the terrorists as the narrative continues. Through the paradoxical relationships that form between the hostages and the terrorists, Patchett satirizes the boundaries between right and wrong, emphasizing the fragility of that line.

Another striking feature of this novel is its musicality, which progresses throughout the narrative. The author's use of refrain and robust diction mirrors that of an opera's score, further heightening the unconventional narrative.

The events of Bel Canto both surprise and delight, the myriad of emotions evoked are truly reflective of opera, a genre of music long since forgotten and now re-captured in Ann Patchett's prose.

Review by: Lara Boleslawsky

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The Perks of Being a Wallflower

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky is a book about high-school life from the perspective of a wallflower. Wondering what a wallflower is? Well, a wallflower is a person who does not mingle with other students very well. That is to saythat they are not very sociable, but they are the best friend a person can possibly have. they keep all the secrets of their friends, quietly observe others, and are very supportive of their friends when their friends need someone to lean against. The wall flower in this novel is a young boy named Charlie. Charlie loses his only best friend at the beginning of the story and makes new friends later on. Throughout this astounding novel Charlie will be faced with new challenges of a typical life of a high school student and he will tacke them head on. As Charlie takes you through his life story, filled with moral problems such as; drug use, young sex, and a friend coming out as gay. As he takes you on the rollercoaster ride of his interesting life you are sure to laugh, cry and feel happy with Charlie. The novel feels more personal to the reader because the whole novel is basically a series of letters written from Charlie to you. It is a must read for high school students as well as adults who will surely remember something they had done when they were in high school. I hope you will enjoy readin this great novel!

-Daniel L. (Book club leader)

The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner by James Dashner is a thrilling dystopian science fiction novel. You awake as Thomas rising in an elevator with no memories aside from your name. You arrive in a vast courtyard surround by many boys, none adults, who are attempting to solve a maze that will hopefully grant their escape from the Glade. Can Thomas aid his fellow Gladers and solve the maze or will he be forever stuck in this prison.

Over A Thousand Hills I Walk With You

Over A Thousand Hills I Walk With You is moving book about an eight year old girl; Jeanne d’Arc Umbyeyi who is caught in the middle of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. It was written in Jeanne’s point of view by her adoptive mother. In this book Jeanne weaves a story of sorrow, hope, fear, joy and love that will tug on your heart. The early chapters of the book feature a young girl living life large, she's vibrant and unaware that her world would change in just a few short years. Later chapters reveal the pain, the loss, the confusion, the fear of not knowing if one is going to survive another day. Witnessing atrocities such as the death and murder, of too many. This book is a moving story that is sure to pull on your heart and take your breath away as you read about the journey of a small, strong and unique eight year old girl.

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games takes place in a post-apocalyptic world in which one area, called "The Capital" became dominant over the surrounding 13 areas which became its districts. However, in the past the districts and the Capital went to war with each other and during this time district 13 was destroyed. In order to keep the remaining 12 districts in line in the future, every year the Capital hosts " The Hunger Games". In the Hunger Games two contestants are chosen from each district, a boy and a girl, to compete in the Capital for their lives. Every year there is one victor and 23 losers who die. One year a twelve year old girl from district 12 named Prim is chosen to compete. However, her older sister, Katniss, chooses to take her place to save her life. Competing for her life Katniss must win the support of the Capital, outsmart and out-survive the other competitors in order to escape with her own life.

Blue is for Nightmares by Laurie Faria Stolarz

A long delayed Review, enough time had to pass to get over the scare factor of this series.

Blue is for Nightmares carries you on an adventure through the mind of Stacy Brown, a teen with secrets whom also practices witch craft. Her dreams or "Nightmares" tend to foreshadow events yet to come. When her dreams begin to depict the death of her friend Drea whom is receiving suspicious e-mails, it becomes Stacy's responsibility to save her friend. And when she goes missing and another student is mistakenly murdered she needs all the strength her witch craft and herself can supply to make it out safely.

Laurie's use of the characters own strength as oppose to letting the magic be the hero allows this to be a gripping series. The dark story and subtle humor allows some room to breath, but this is definitely one to read with the lights on.

The order for this Series is (Highly recommended it is read in order.)
1) Blue is for Nightmares
2) White is for Magic
3) Silver is for Secrets
4) Red is for remembrance

She went all the way? - Meg Cabot

Yes, another Cabot book, what can I say? I'm a fan. This one is similar style however it is a bit more adult then I was used to with her books. It has the usual lovie dovie stuff you have come to expect from her but this time there is action. It also has different view points which is something new for Cabot. This book is centered mainly around Lou Calabrese, Hollywood screen writer, and her race to stay alive with a man she simply cannot stand, Actor Jack Townsend. Stranded after their helicopter goes down in isolated Arctic Alaska, trying to beat the cold and the men who want Jack dead. Will they make it out alive? This was a good book and there was guess work as to who wants Jack dead. I never would have guessed the ending. it is a fun book and it keeps you entertained. I would recommend it for girls around 18. Due to some eh hem... adult moments in this book.

The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold

With the movie coming out I decided to give this book a go and see if the movie will be worth it. It's the story of a fourteen year old girl (Susie Salmon) who is raped and murdered. We start off with the murder then the story is Susie watching down from her heaven at her family and those around them. Watching them mourn and move on with their lives, while she comes to terms with her own murder. The book makes you question if that neighbor who you think is weird, is actually a killer. I found the book good, yet I probably would not read it again.

Queen of Babble in the Big City - Meg Cabot

Lizzie is back! She is now following her dream in the Big Apple. Shes still with Luke but will it last? Meg Cabot follows her usual style so if you like her books you will love this one. It is a good follow up to the original Queen of Babble book, Lizzie Faces new challenges with her work and home life but again she doesn't give up. However it gives me a slight feeling of deja vu. Have you read the shopaholic series? This feels to me to be a mix of those and Kinsellas other book can you keep a secret. But hey! I liked those books too and this is original enough that it isn't like reading the same thing. I would definitely recommend this book to the girls.

Seventh Avenue Murder - Liza Bennett

This is a classic murder mystery, and although it came out in 1990 it is still good and you can still relate. Its main character Peg finds herself smack dab in the middle of a murder mystery. She was with Berry the night she supposedly "killed herself" so she knows that Berry never would have do so, despite what the police are saying. So, Peg must find out who killed her friend. With an inside look at the few who could have killed her, Peg has an upper hand over the police, but still you are left guessing right up until the end. I found this book good, but it was rather slow up until maybe the 3rd to last chapter, I admit I left it for about two months to read better things. But the ending was unexpected and the end was good.

Deadline-Chris Crutcher

This book was amazing. I found the book very hard to get into , as it just seemed like a boring teenager's life before he dies. However, as the book progressed I started to become more absorbed into the book. I wanted to know all about Ben's life. Chris Crutcher turns a simple book into a plot filled book full of many themes and the issues of adolescence. I would recommend this book to boys and girls. I also loved the the use of humour in his book. I learned that it is important to live in the moment and give it your all; sometimes we have to savour the truth to enjoy life!

Before We Say Goodbye

In Before We Say Goodbye an adult woman who is greiving the loss of her dead mother is given an envelope from her mother containing one thing; the address of her first love, the man her mother would never let her have. In shock, she travels to his home, planning only to stay the weekend. Two days becomes four and four becomes a summer. As time goes on, she doesn't know what is going on, can she stay with him and his daughter or should she go back to her husband, two sons, and her life. This heart-wrenching story about a woman finding out who her mother, and more importantly, who she is will glue your eyes to the page until you finish. This fiction book is so well written, you could believe that it was true.

I give it 4.5/5

Dark Dude

by Oscar Hijuelos

"How Do You Escape Yourself?"

Harlem New York, Rico Fuentes struggles to find a happy medium between his neighborhood bullies, rundown school with frequent shootings, and his parents that blame him for their own unhappiness. A threat by his father to send him to military school, makes him realize he needs a plan to get out. He runs with his best friend toward Wisconsin in hope a fresh start, help his friend kick his heroin addiction, and maybe fine away to forget about the past. After nearly a Year of making his life work out, and outhouse duty he finds somethings can't be left behind, and makes a decision that may change his life forever.

An Excellent book for those looking for a simplistic read.

"A journey toward self-discovery"
~ Ellen Hopkins.

The Hour I First Believed

The Hour I First Believed is a moving novel about Caelum Quirk and his wife Maureen as they try to revive their marriage after Maureen's affair with one of her co-workers. A high school English teacher, Caelum and his wife both work at Columbine High School during April 1999. However, a death in his family calls Caelum back to his hometwon of Three Rivers and pulls him into thoughts of the family of which he is now the last. During his absence from Columbine, the school shooting occurs and Maureen finds herself hiding in the break room as she hears the explosions and gun shots go off near-by. Maureen tramautized convinces Caelum to move back to Three Rivers, Conneticut as she readapts to to life and her fears. They move back to his family farm hoping for a new start but find the trauma follows them even there as they battle to begin a new life. Maureen traumitized and Caelum wrapped up in his family history, will they ever be able to find peace in their lives again?



The story is both moving and uplifting as Caelum and Maureen struggle to refind themselves and find a routine to deal with their seperate and personal issues. Thy novel explores the outes they take to recovery and will pull the reader deep into its tale. I highly recommend this book. =D

Plato and a Playtpus Walk into a Bar

By Thomas Cathcart & Daniel Klein

The optimist says, "The glass is half full"
The Pessimist says, "The glass is half empty"
The rationalist says,"This glass is twice as big as it needs to be" (17)


Philosophy lovers, those wanting to begin asking deep questions will love this book. A brief introduction to western philosophy, outlining the early ideas of philosophy and key concepts through jokes. Excellent book for those looking for an introduction to philosophy and a good laugh.

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

Although she has what many teenage girls desires – caring family, good grades, and a part-time modeling career – Annabel Greene’s personal life is anything but perfection. Annabel secretly despises modeling; her sister has an eating disorder; and their mother's past depression and fake cheerfulness cause mounting tension in the household. After an unfortunate incident at a summer party, Annabel is accused of stealing her best friend’s boyfriend, and treated as a social outcast by everyone at her school. Without the comfort of her friends and worried by her unstable family, Annabel finds an unlikely friend in classmate Owen, who teaches her to “Don’t think and judge. Just Listen.”

As with her other YA books, Dessen keeps the plot flowing and the characterization well developed. The dialogue is realistic and expertly done. Overall, this is a very enjoying and not overly deep story. My only criticism is that so much build up is created that readers may be disappointed with the climax.

Keeper by Mal Peet

A 30 year old goalkeeper from Brazil whose team has just won the World Cup in soccer is interviewed by a reporter and tells the tale of how he became a world class player. The story takes us into the heart of the rain forest where logging is changing the shape of the landscape. The boy's father is a logger, and for awhile, the boy joins his father in that enterprise. The boy learns soccer from a ghost caught between the living and the dead. The reporter speaks for the reader when he questions the keeper's fantastic story about being trained by a ghost... but in the end the reader wants to accept the story. Afterall, there is always mystery attached to the question of how some triumph in the face of adversity while others fail.