Classic
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on May.18, 2012, under Classic, Historical Fiction, Student Reviews
Review by Amanda T.
Who would like this book? I think that this book is probably for a more mature reader who enjoys the nature of very old, classical reads. Les Miserables is a very famous French novel that was published in the early 1862.
Why? The setting is in old Paris in the late 1800’s. Though the book has many volumes within it, the plot mainly follows the life of an escaped convict named Jean Valjean and his journey to ultimate redemption. Early in his life, Jean was a bad person, who was jailed many times for crimes like robbery, fraud, and murder. Having escaped many times, he finally realized one day that he couldn’t go on living like this forever. So, he faked his death, and created a fake identity for himself. One example of Jean trying to be better was when he met an ailing mother named Fantine, whose last wish was to see her lost daughter, Cossette. Unfortunately, Fantine died before her wish could come true. This made Jean (and me) very sad. So, at that very moment, he decided on his first goal: Find Cossette. This book was very detailed, and fused together politics, romance, justice, moral values and redemption. In my opinion, this book was a real challenge to read. At first, the book wasn’t as interesting to me. Then, as the book drew to the last 100 pages, I got more and more curious. The ending was a really sad, but good one. In general, I actually liked this book, and I hope the reader will enjoy it as much (or more) as I did.
The deatils: 843 pp. Review by Amanda T.
Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on May.01, 2012, under Classic, Fantasy, Student Reviews
Review by Kayla W.
Who would like this book? Mostly fantasy lovers of all genders. Any age would love this book.
Why? Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter are sucked back into their old homeland; Narnia. They soon realize this isn’t the Narnia they knew, but Narnia a thousand years later. Prince Caspian, a new friend, is in a war between them (the rebels or Old Narnians) and the Telmarines, who are the current Narnia inhabitants. Once the four children and the Talking Beasts are united, will they conquer the King’s kingdom and all of Narnia?
The details: 223 pp. 1951 Review by Kayla W.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Nov.03, 2011, under Classic, Horror, Student Reviews
Who would like this book? People who like books made of diary entries, and who like a lot of blood.
Why? This book takes place in multiple countries– including Transylvania, with different entries by different people. Some of those people are Jonathan Harker, an English real-estate agent of the 1800s, Mina Murray, who is engaged to Jonathan, Mina’s best friend, and someone who proposed to Mina’s best friend, who didn’t quite get the cut. If you like bloodsucking, shapeshifting, sharp-toothed Transylvanian Monarchs, you should read Dracula, a book full of mystery and unanswered questions.
The details: 400 pp. Review by Evan M.
The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Sep.08, 2010, under Classic, Humorous, ORCA, Sam's Reviews
Who would like this book? Anyone who likes books by Lois Lowry and/or books about “mistreated” kids (think Series of Unfortunate Events) who must overcome terrible parents with wit and the help of a few great parent-figures.
Why? Lowry states that this books is a parody, “mocking the conventions of old-fashioned children’s books stuffed with orphans, nannies and long-lost heirs.” Every sentence of this slim, hilarious book is a delight. The Willoughbys are a “normal” family with two parents who cannot stand their four children and vice versa. As the parents plot how to rid themselves of the children, the children (led by the eldest, Tomothy) devise a plan to sent their parents on a vacation of life-threatening adventures. The plot expands when the children find a “beastly baby” on their doorstep, which they then transfer to the doorstep of a wealthy candy-maker, depressed over the supposed deaths of his wife and son. Of course, the children acquire a wonderful nanny when their parents leave. The absurdly funny glossary and bibliography in the back are gems. Both younger and older readers will enjoy Lowry’s take on the classics.This book is a Oregon Reader’s Choice (ORCA) nominee for 2011.
The details: 174 p. 2008 Review by Samrarian
Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Apr.04, 2010, under Adventure, Classic, Fantasy, Sam's Reviews, YRCA
Who would like this book? Anyone who likes Peter Pan, a good adventure story with pirates, or star magic.
Why? In this fantastical “prequel” to the real Peter Pan, Peter and a handful of other hapless orphans are stuck on the seedy ship, the Neverland. Scrounging for food and a plan, Peter meets Molly, an apprentice Starcatcher who is worried about the precious cargo of stardust. The story is fast-paced and great fun to read right from the start, and it really takes off when Peter and Molly must face pirates, a fierce storm, the cannibal natives of a tropical island, and, of course, a crocodile. A must for those who love to fly and want to know where Tinkerbell came from! Follow it up with J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan original and find all the places where Barry and Pearson stray from the original.
A Young Reader’s Choice Award nominee, 2007
The details: 451 p. 2004 Review by Samrarian
Hamlet: A Novel by John Marsden
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Mar.25, 2010, under Classic, Grief, Sam's Reviews
Who would like this book? People (mature grade 8 and up) who are curious about Shakespeare’s play Hamlet or who want a riveting story of murder, revenge, and heartbreak.
Why? Marsden rewrites the Shakespeare classic tragedy Hamlet as a contemporary novel. The main characters and plot elements are the same as the play, but it’s much easier to follow because Marsden uses contemporary English and presents Hamlet, Horatio, Ophelia, and Laertes as modern teenagers. The approach works well. Shakepeare purists might object to his changes and omissions, but Marsden definitely nails Hamlet’s angst and anguish. He also does a great job of weaving quotes from the play into the novel’s text. Hamlet’s story is for readers who are ready to take on mature issues.
The details: 240 p. 2009 Review by Samrarian
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Nov.11, 2009, under Adventure, Classic, Student Reviews
Review by Scott
Who would like this book? People who would like this book would be the kind that enjoy short stories and good literature.
Why? In the beginning, there is a poor old man who has not caught any fish for many days. In the middle, he sets out to sea for a few days. He has lots of adventures!
The details: 140 p. 1952 Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1953 Submitted by Scott
Coming soon to the Cal Young Library; it’s on the to-be-ordered list. ~ Sam
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Oct.15, 2009, under Adventure, Classic, Humorous, Student Reviews
Review by Madisyn
Who would like this book? People who like books that are adventurous and don’t like to put the book down. Ages 11 and up.
Why? I liked this book because it was adventurous, and I didn’t want to put it down. Tom Sawyer is a young boy who lives on the Mississippi River with his aunt, brother, and sister. Tom Sawyer is a bit of a trouble maker. Tom often plays with Huckleberry Finn, who is a homeless boy. Tom’s aunt doesn’t like it when Huck and Tom see each other. Watch out for Injun Joe!!!
The details: 294 p. 1876 (originally!) Submitted by Madisyn
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on May.11, 2009, under Animal, Classic, Student Reviews
Review by Macey
Setting: Ozark Mountains
Plot: All Billy wants is two hound dogs. His parents aren’t going to get him some so Billy has to save the money himself. So Billy saves 50 dollars for two years to get two hound dogs. After Billy saves the money he goes to get his dogs. He trains the dogs for two years and makes them the best hunting dogs around.
Characters: Billy: Owner of the two dogs
Little Ann: One of Billy’s dogs
Old Dan: One of Billy’s dogs
Theme: If you really want something you can do anything.
The details: 249 p. 1961 Submitted by Macey
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Apr.29, 2009, under Classic, Fantasy, Student Reviews
Review by Margo
Who would like this book?
Why? In Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Alice, a young curious girl, follows a mysterious talking White Rabbit down a large rabbit hole and into a strange and magical place called Wonderland. There she is faced with talking flowers, a sea of tears, a mad hatter, a Cheshire Cat and an evil queen who are all making it very hard to return to the world of reality. Will she make it home? Read to find out!
Review by Margo
