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

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

The Gutenberg Project has been making books in the public domain (no longer under copyright) available as free eBooks for a number of years. Their collection of titles is large and growing. Their online indexing provides links to public domain works in many formats for reading on a computer or many other e-readers.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is appropriate to share with you today. Follow this link and enjoy turning the virtual pages of this actual print book published in 1843. Notice the worn pages and crumbling binding. Pause at each illustration by John Leech.

Have a very Merry Christmas with your family and friends!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore

Another eBook from the Gutenberg Project. Pour a hot chocolate, find a youngster to read with, and share the excitement in Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore.

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm