Good Omens: the Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

When two of the most esteemed British sci-fi authors team up, you know that novel will be a good one. That is exactly what happened for Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. Following in the footsteps of similar novels like Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Good Omens is a distinctly British humor novel that is about the end of the world, and many different people (and otherworldy beings) as the end approaches. I personally liked the book, although I wouldn’t call it perfect.

The thing I liked best was how funny it was. For those of you who don’t know what British humor consists of, it is intelligent pop culture jokes and satire that usually require background knowledge, which means some people don’t find it funny, but the ones who understand it, find it hilarious. As long as you can remember what the 90’s were like, this book should get you laughing from page one until page 366.

My main problem with this book was a lack of deep characterization. There were four main plotlines, and the novel jumps from one to the next seamlessly. While this made the plot intricate, and enjoyable, it really took a toll on the main characters. When you have double digit amounts of main characters, you end up knowing a bit about each, and then a lot about very few. While there were about four well developed characters, there were many underdeveloped characters as well.

While I could go on all day about this book, for your sake as the reader, I will leave it at this: Good Omens is a fantastic story with wit, and a very good story, and a must read for any fan of sci-fi or humor novels. I strongly suggest it if you ever need to read a sci-fi book for a project. If I was to give it a rating, I would give it three and a half paws out of four.

Reviewed by BHS student A. Tucker

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen is a heartwarming, summer-fun story which also deals with important issues. Auden West’s parents are brilliant scholars who forced their daughter to grow up too fast, and miss the important parts of anyone’s childhood. One summer, Auden decides to move in with her father’s family at their oceanfront home. Soon she meets Eli, a quiet boy who is still haunted by his past. As the summer carries on, they set out on a mission to give Auden the experiences she never got as a child. This story, like the rest of Sarah Dessen’s, includes a hero, family drama, a love interest, and easy-to-read adventures. I strongly suggest this novel to the fans of Sarah Dessen, or anyone looking for light-hearted, self-discovery story with a touch of romance.

Reviewed by BHS student M. Holper

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

One snowy night in 1964, Doctor David Henry is forced to deliver his twin children. The first, a boy named Paul, is born happy and healthy. As soon as David delivers the second one, a girl named Phoebe, he recognizes the signs of Down's and hands her to his nurse Caroline. To save his wife and son from the grief of losing her later, he tells them that she has died at birth. What he doesn't realize is that the decision he makes will cause much more bad than intended good. Over the years his family grows apart due to lifelong secrets and misery. As for Phoebe, she grows up with Caroline who loves her as she were her own. The relationship between them grows and Caroline changes into a confident, strong woman.

It is hard for us to understand why a father would ever want to give up his own daughter due to a disability. We have to remember that this was the 1960's and many people were less accepting of Down's not to mention less educated as well. David had good intentions of course, but never acknowledges what the real consequences could be. We learn that he was sheltering his family from experiencing the same pain he endured as a child after losing his sister to a heart condition. Many times he tries to reconnect with Phoebe but ends up realizing that there is no place for him in her life anymore. His own son grows up deprived of a loving family and Norah, his wife, is never the same.

This is a compelling novel overflowing with detail and emotion you can't even imagine. Kim Edwards is an amazing author who makes us feel angry and hopeful at the same time. She shows us; that you must have trust in yourself as well as your family in order to maintain a happy and healthy relationship. If you love a heart-wrenching story that is impossible to set down, then check this book out.

Reviewed by BHS student K. Gaiss

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

J.K Rowling’s fifth installment of the highly celebrated fantasy series, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix takes the story of “the boy who lived” to an all new depth, in a year filled with death, triumph, and change. In a world of witches, wizards, and elves, Harry finds himself fighting to prove that the evil Lord Voldemort has returned from death and is planning his rise back to power.

While Harry gives a vivid account of seeing Voldemort transform from a small creature into a snake-like man, the other wizards refuse to believe that such danger is in the horizon. With the support of very few, who call themselves the Order of the Phoenix, Harry struggles to raise his voice higher than those of wizards trying to make him out to be a delusional drama queen. Not only does Harry have evil and oblivious wizards to deal with, but for the first time ever, he has to deal with the struggles of being a normal teenager.

Rowling delivers a story so compelling and life-like, the reader is forced to read cover to cover without pause. In a series filled with magical beasts, feasts, and struggles, the reader may be surprised to find Harry faced with girls, built up anger, and patronizing adults. Harry Potter fans are not used to seeing Harry as a real boy, so when he is forced to deal with ordinary teenage problems, I believe fans of the series will be delighted to find that they have a lot more in common with “the boy who lived” than they thought. Also new to the series, Harry finally finds himself with a parent-like figure, Sirius Black, who plays a big part in keeping Harry sane and hopeful, in his struggle to learn Occlumency, which will allow him to keep his mind separate from Voldemort’s.

Keeping the advice “save the best for last” in mind, Rowling keeps the thrilling battle subjective to the last few pages, where a beloved character departs for good, and the fight between good and evil becomes as intense as ever. Throughout the story Harry finds himself making close friends, and risky decisions. Many characters are growing up, and doing things that weren’t possible in the other four books. The book also takes a turn for the different when Hogwarts is not the only wizarding place the reader gets to visit. From places like St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries to the Ministry of Magic, Harry Potter branches out into a world of danger and unknown, in which none of the other books have ever seen.

Reviewed by BHS student M. Stuenkel

Two*Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

Who wants to go on a three day road trip with their ex? Seriously who does? I know I sure don't. Poor Courtney gets her heart broken by Jordan the jock, but what she doesn't know is that there's a different reason than the MySpace girlfriend she thought Jordan had. Jordan was told to keep this big secret but he just can't anymore so he breaks up with her instead. What Courtney doesn't know is that Jordan, too, is in love with her but this secret is just too much for him.

Lauren Barnholdt's Two*Way Street is an amazing book. It goes back and forth between the two main characters. It also shows you what happened before the trip as well as during, and then after the trip. This novel keeps you reading because you want to see what happens with the two of them. Will they remain in this big huge fight or will they get back together? You'll have to read it yourself to find out!

Reviewed by BHS student L. Rojowski

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

SPOILER ALERT: The novel Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins is the third and final novel in the Hunger Games Trilogy. After finding out that district 12 has been demolished by the capitol, Katniss and the other victors saved in the Quarter Quell are taken to the mysterious District 13. There Katniss has to face her demons, and all the while become the face of the rebellion, the mockingjay. Katniss struggles to accept that she may never see Peeta again, and her relationship with Gale grows. After visiting the surrounding districts and finding them run down, it becomes apparent that soon Katniss and the army from district 13 will have to confront the capitol head on. Mockingjay takes them right into the heart of the action, and has many twists along the way. Mockingjay focuses on the introduction of new characters, and takes you deep into their internal battles. The novel in written so that the reader gets a sharp sense of the brutality in war and the tragedy that follows it.

Reviewed by BHS student N. Vincent

I recently just completed the novel Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. People say it is hard to follow up with a third great book in an outstanding series, but this one did not disappoint. In this story, Katniss is relocated to District 13 where nearly everything is underground. The revolution has begun in full force and Katniss has to become the rebels Mockingjay. She and the rebels plan on using television propaganda to help sway the districts and soon have great support. The Capitol still has Peeta taken prisoner and Katniss struggles to focus her thoughts with everything going on. Katniss continues to spend time with Gale as they train for the war and are put on a special mission together with several other rebels. Things start okay, but go wrong the farther into the mission they go. Katniss is faced with the challenge of getting to the Capitol to kill President Snow and still can't decide whether she wants Peeta or Gale, even after what has happened to Peeta. The story explodes at the end with non-stop action to close out the thrilling series, along with a dull and anticlimactic solution to her love triangle with Gale and Peeta. Overall, an outstanding book worth anyone's time!

Reviewed by BHS student A. Vailliencourt

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Within the past year, and even more so within the past month due to the upcoming movie, The Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins, has been getting praise by readers globally. With this hype came my decision to hop on the wagon and read the novel, after all... why not? Boy, am I glad that I did!

Being set in the future where war and dispute split America into 12 districts, the novel begins in a hostile tone. Katniss, an independent sixteen year old girl, adopts the responsibility of taking care of her sister and mother in a destitute society where nothing comes easy and you must fight for everything that you have. In a place where the struggle for survival is almost constant, Katniss learns to think on her feet and do virtually anything to keep her family safe. Along with fighting starvation, the residents of the twelve districts under the age of eighteen must fret and worry about being entered into the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games is a competition in which two tributes from each district, chosen at random, must fight to the death. What good comes from the games? The winner brings back food and riches to their district. What bad comes from the games? Out of 24 children, one person makes it alive.

At the beginning of the novel, against the odds, Katniss's little sister, Prim, gets chosen for the games. As anger and confusion fills Katniss's head, she willingly volunteers to take her little sister's spot, knowing that if Prim is sent to the games, she will be one of the first to die. The rest of the novel is filled with the love, deceit, hardship, and brutal loss that Katniss must face on her journey through the games. The games force one to abandon virtuous behavior and do anything that one can to keep themselves alive.

This novel is one of the fastest reads that I have ever read... it was nearly impossible for me to put down and always kept me on the edge of my seat! It also uses fairly simple language, contributing to the easy comprehension and fast-set pace. Overall, I would highly recommend this book IF you are over the age of fifteen. Some of the violence can get graphic, and some of the actions performed by the children can seem demoralizing.

Reviewed by BHS student R. Haupt

This book came highly recommended to me by many of my peers. After reading the first few pages, I could see why! I found myself unable to put the book down which happens with very few books for me. Although the characters were strongly developed and the imagery was at its best, the one element of the book that I found the most engrossing was the fast moving plot. As one crucial event was near its finish, the next was just beginning. It was as though I didn't want to blink my eyes in fear that I might miss something, although I knew I could just go back and read it again. I really did enjoy this book! 5 stars Reviewed by BHS student T. Doud Wow. I have heard what a good book this is since seventh grade, and I finally had the chance to read this year over winter break. I can't believe I waited so long. From the very beginning, I was enthralled. The setting, the characters; all of it drew me in. The Hunger Games is set in Panem, which has replaced North America. Every year, this thing called the Hunger Games happens. A male contestant and a female contestant are chosen from each of the twelve districts that make up Panem. After this part of the book starts, be warned: you will not be able to stop reading. The plot of this book keeps you on the edge of your chair. I was laughing at some parts and actually crying at others. I cannot wait to start reading the sequel, Catching Fire. I am waiting until I actually have some time before I start reading it because I know that once I pick it up, I won't be able to put it back down. Every person I have talked to about this book has felt the same way I have about this book, even people who don't normally like to read. I highly recommend this book to anyone, of any gender or age. 5 stars Reviewed by BHS student S Traudt

Catch 22 by Joseph Heller

Catch 22 is most definitely a book without parallel. Set at the closing of World War II, this novel focuses on the plight of a deranged bombardier named Yossarian, who thinks that everyone he meets wants to kill him. He is perceived as crazy by his peers and his generals in the military, but as the novel unfolds, the reader begins to understand Yossarian’s point of view. Yossarian feels that his life is in danger, and he is right, because he is in the middle of a war, constantly flying air missions. What he doesn’t understand is that everyone else is under the same amount of danger as he is, and this mental disconnect is what makes Yossarian seem crazy to those around him.

Even with the issue of insanity aside, Catch 22, has a very emotionally challenging storyline, with graphic descriptions of death and horror from the war. Catch 22 is certainly a book that takes a while to really get into. It may take the reader a few tries to finally read it all the way through. What makes it worth the uncomfortable images and the tedious parts are the completely unexpected bits of humor that are stuck into the book. This comic relief usually comes when Yossarian is describing someone. “The Texan turned out to be good-natured, generous and likeable. In three days no one could stand him” Author Joseph Heller uses these unexpected reactions and one-liners to capture and hold the audience’s attention.

The main purpose of Catch 22 is to provide a satirical look at how people view society and life. Heller also presents the disarming concept that we could have everything wrong, and the main character, Yossarian, who is deemed insane, is really the sane one. A true measure of a book’s worth is that it keeps the reader engaged and thinking long after the book has been completed, and Catch 22 does that. It leaves you pondering the unanswerable question, the insolvable Catch 22 of it all. Is it insane to think that everyone is out to kill you, or is this basic instinct of self-preservation that makes humans sane at all?

Reviewed by BHS student A. Bonomo

The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

Through her novel, The Joy Luck Club, Amy Tan evokes emotion from the reader as she uncovers the relationship between mothers and daughters. Four Chinese immigrant mothers and their four Chinese-American daughters tell their remarkable life stories about strength, love, and courage.

The four Chinese mothers, after immigrating to San Francisco’s Chinatown, befriend each other. They all come from different backgrounds, yet they are all immigrants from China. They form a group, the Joy Luck Club, and meet regularly to eat Chinese cuisine and play mahjong. Over time, as they marry and have children, the Joy Luck Club includes the husbands and children of the four mothers. Each mother has one daughter. While trying to maintain their Chinese identities, the mothers attempt to raise their American-born children following their Chinese beliefs. However, the daughters begin to lose pride in their heritage. They do not understand the hardships that their mothers encountered in China. When they listen to their mothers, they only hear their broken English. Amy Tan explores the difficulties and hardships faced by Chinese immigrants, as well as their children.

Each of the eight characters brings a unique aspect to the novel as a whole. While maintaining a cohesive story, the author is able to tell each life story in an inspirational way that captivates the reader’s interest from beginning to end. Although it is difficult at times to distinguish which daughter belongs to which mother and differentiate between the various stories, this novel is very uplifting. The mothers exhibit tremendous strength and courage, and encounter difficulties that most Americans do not face, such as arranged marriages. Chinese culture and traditions are integrated throughout The Joy Luck Club. The reader is able to learn about many customs and beliefs of the Chinese people, and broaden their knowledge about Chinese culture.

Overall, this motivational novel is compelling to anyone wishing to learn more about Chinese culture, and those who wish to reflect on the relationships between mothers and daughters. The lessons learned in this story remain with the reader long after the last page is read.

Reviewed by BHS student M. Boskovich

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

Over 200 years ago, Chinese women lived a secret life of pain and loss. They practiced foot binding - a sacred and important custom which bound their feet to the size of a thumb. At the age of 6, the foot binding began. Every bone in the foot was broken, and with no modern medicine, nothing could appease the pain. One in every ten girls would die from this practice, yet mothers continued to subject their daughters to this excruciating pain.

Why did the mothers secretly force this pain upon their daughters? The answer is simple: to get married. In Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See, a girl of the name Lily experiences the ups and downs of foot binding. After bearing the pain, her feet are perfect. The matchmaker is in awe; her feet could get her any man of any status. Of course, coming from a lower class family, Lily would need to show she could handle being part of the upper class. The matchmaker comes up with the solution to provide Lily with a friend for life; a girl who astrologically matches with Lily and can show her what life in the upper class is like. This friend (called a laotong) is Snow Flower: a resilient, faithful girl, who may look like she has it all, but in fact is facing immense hardships.

Lisa See brilliantly uses detail to depict the lives of the two laotong; from childhood until their old age. See shows us that no matter if a woman loses their riches, love, or lives a life of pain: a best friend will stay true until the end. If you enjoy a book rich with history, secrets, and friendship, this is the book for you.

Reviewed by BHS student H. Williamson

Room by Emma Donoghue

The title is Room. Not a room. Not the room. Simply, Room by Emma Donoghue. Curious title - until you open the first page. Soon you'll realize the story is being told by 4 year old Jack, soon to be 5 years old, who is living with his mother in a room, the room, this room. They call it Room which explains the title. There is also Rug, Wardrobe, Outside, Bed, Meltedy Spoon, Remote, Toilet, Skylight, Bed and more. Because it is Jack's voice we read, it's apparent that he has led a secluded life.

Why are they living in Room? It seems they never leave Room. They have a daily and weekly routine that is followed. They have food and a small kitchen to prepare it. Actually, they have most of the comforts of home inside Room. Details are learned with each passing page. Using a make-shift ruler they measure Room and it is 11 foot square. Old Nick stops by most nights but Jack is asleep in Wardrobe by that time. He knows Old Nick as the person from Outside who brings him Sundaytreat and takes Trash.

Yes, they are being held captive and must plan an escape. Of course, the story does not end there. Life Outside and it's promise of freedom holds many problems. You will be on the edge of your seat when you read Room by Emma Donoghue.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm