Of Monsters and Madness by Jessica Verday

Of Monsters and Madness is inspired by Edgar Allan Poe and his character Annabel Lee.

Annabel moves to Philadelphia after her mother's death to where her father, who seems less than joyful to meet her after all these years, practices medicine. She struggles to find comfort in the stony town with all its uptight mannerisms and expectations, but quickly becomes infatuated with her father's assistant, Allan, a poet when not working with her father. Bloodied murders bring danger to the unfamiliar streets of Philadelphia, and Annabel discovers horrifying connections between the crimes, her father's work, and Allan's poetry. When Allan's peculiar cousin Edgar threatens the safety of those Annabel loves, she must uncover what exactly is happening in the night, and how she is to stop it.
Very different from the style which I am accustomed to, this novel was nonetheless very intriguing. I found certain points to be rather flat and anticlimactic, but the atmosphere created was strong. It wasn't particularly memorable although it is not as if I have already forgotten what happened in the story. It was an interesting and unique concept to approach but the book itself did not leave anything for me to hang on to, nor did it leave me wanting more.
Despite personally not loving this book, the concept is fascinating enough that it may capture other readers, perhaps fans of Edgar Allan Poe's works.
I personally rate this book 6/10
~Mushu

Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Chronicle of a Death Foretold is the tale of a narrator as he goes around his old town, uncovering more details about the murder of Santiago Nasar, a victim who was killed of a crime he might not have committed, and faced a brutal attack the whole town was capable of preventing.
For those of you who have not yet read this very popular short book, it is especially recognized because of the completely different approach Marquez takes to storytelling. From the beginning, readers already know who the victim is, and who stabbed him. Yet the question remains of who is truly guilty for the events which occurred. As the plot goes on, we learn the motives of each of the characters, and what role they played in the crime. Everyone in the town knew the murder would take place before it did, yet nothing was done to stop it. This provides fascinating insight (and kind of a commentary) on the bystander effect. I am almost certain this is why schools make students read this.
The unique and fascinating approach Marquez uses makes this book worth reading, and the plot itself isn't bad either. The delivery at times is confusing, so I especially emphasize the importance to carefully read the whole book. It is very short, but still a good read.
I rate this book a 7.5/10 for the great writing.
~Mushu

Sound of Waves by Yukio Mishima

This is the story of one poor boy who falls in love with the daughter of the richest man in the village. Shinji and Hatsue have an instant connection and decide to continue meeting in secret to prevent attracting the attention of nosy villagers. When rumors of their relationship is revealed, however, gossipy neighbors and one strict father may end their love story before it even starts.
Personally, I didn't find this book very appealing and didn't connect with it at all. There was nothing in particular that made the story unique from every other cliché romance. Of course, this book has received lots of praise, which I'm guessing is because of Mishima's excellency in describing setting and providing insight on Japanese culture. Even with this, I found the writing to be a little bland, the dialogue was stiff and there wasn't much character development.
This book is often assigned in school, and I suggest if you have a choice in which novel you read, don't pick this one. I would only recommend this to someone who wants a simple book to get over with in class. There is definitely some symbolism and deeper meanings to analyze, but the story is just really mediocre. Not to mention, there is quite of bit of thinly veiled sexism behind the author's writing.
I'd rate this book 4.5/10
~Mushu

Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

 The Kite Runner is the story of a young Pashtun boy living in Afghanistan. Amir lives a good life with his best friend and Hazara servant, Hassan. Despite facing minor hardships such as bullies and aching for his father's attention, everything starts out peaceful. However, one horrible even changes Amir's life forever and a new guilt rests upon his shoulders. Kite Runner is the story of truth, family, and Amir's path to seeking redemption. As the story progresses, the events with the war in Afghanistan and the Taliban occur as well.

I thought this book was very well written with a captivating plot. There were also many meaningful topics and symbols addressed throughout. The ending could be seen as cliché or predictable, but I thought it was fine- and it's only the end after all. My only protest is that I found the main character to be absolutely despicable. He does one terrible thing after another and his personality certainly isn't admirable. But things get better and of course, if Amir didn't act the way he did, The Kite Runner would have a very different plot.

I'd suggest this book to anyone who has an interest in learning more about Afghanistan during this time period- the book goes from about 1975 to 2001.

I'll rate the book 8/10

~Mushu

Prince of Shadows by Rachel Caine

 Prince of Shadows is the story of Romeo and Juliet from Benvolio's, Romeo's cousin, point of view. Benvolio, a regal Montague, is secretly the Prince of Shadows, defying his uptight destiny by robbing cruel people by night and therefore shaming them. Along his expeditions, he stumbles into the room of Rosaline Capulet, the girl of his cousin's most recent infatuation. Despite the fight between Montague and Capulet, Benvolio cannot deny his attraction to the fair maiden. The story of Romeo and Juliet plays out as we all remember it does except the reason of the character's actions may not actually be true love- but rather a curse.

What I really appreciated about this book is that it filled in any plot holes that people frequently point out in the original play. If you found something rash and unreasonable, the reason is explained through this book. However, Prince of Shadows was a bit too much like the original in my opinion, so it was at times fairly boring.

I'd recommend this to Romeo and Juliet fans, or the people who complain about the plot. However, I don't suggest reading it if you have recently read the original.

I rate Prince of Shadows a 6/10

~Mushu

Night by Elie Wiesel

 Night is the story of Elie Wiesel, a boy who survives the Holocaust, but loses everything he cares about in the process.

I read this novel for school and it was obviously very well written. Learning about the Holocaust from a textbook is one thing, but hearing someone's personal story is entirely different. It was both enlightening and horrifying to read all the details of despair and loss of humanity. The ending was hauntingly sad, but Wiesel has written more books about finding his way again.

I suggest this to people who would like to learn more about the Holocaust. If you have to read this for school, I assure you that you won't be bored out of your mind.

I rate it a 9/10

~Mushu

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson

I really liked this book. It was different. We got it from some family friends that know the author or something like that.

This is a book about Hattie. Hattie no longer has any parents and has lived her entire life moving around from one distant relative to another when they decide they no longer want her. One day she receives a letter in the mail from her Uncle who she has never met before and has recently past. He has left his plot of land under her name and if she chooses, she may go and try to own up to his claim in the time left on the claim. She decides to go. Life in Montana is different and challenging but hey, it's Hattie's life and she gets to live it however she so chooses.

I really liked this story which is about a real girl named Hattie. The entire time I read this book I thought Hattie was pronounced Hay-tee not Hat-tee and I mentioned it to my sister and she laughed at me.. Anyways it's a good book. People who like really rich plots might not be as interested because it's good and it has a good plot but it's also about a real girl so it goes at real life pace rather than super fast like book drama always goes.  I would probably recommend this book to someone who likes historical books and realistic books.

I would rate this book an 8.5/10 because it was really good but like I've already mentioned, it was at real life pace with is kind of slow and it's about real life things so there weren't like 10 million different sub-plots. Although I did cry the last 3 or so chapters, just heads up...

-Flounder

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

This was half-intersting, and half-boring. I'm also kind of sick of it from doing so many homework assignments on this book- but that's just me. It's not exactly my type of book, and yeah...
Henry Lee is one of many people who carry heavy memories from the war years. One day he passes the Panama Hotel, a place he hadn't gone to in a long time. That's when he hears someone just discovered the belongings of Japanese families hidden away during World War 2. Upon hearing the news, Henry remembers when he was just a boy, and the special relationship he had with a little Japanese girl- Keiko Okabe. This book tells Henry's story as a twelve-year old boy and his story so many years later. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet portrays love, hardships, and it teaches how some connections never die.
This was suprisingly a lot better than I thought, but still not the best book ever. I would have liked if the ending added more closure. The writing and descriptions was excellent so it doesn't bore one to death.
I'd recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction, or maybe has an interest in World War 2.
I'll rate this book a 7/10
~Mushu
P.S. And we're back from the (super long) hiatus! Maybe. Our sincerest apologies- life has just been really hectic

Spirit's Princess by Esther Frieshner

So I know people are always saying "Don't judge a book by it's cover" but seriously. The cover looked absolutely ridiculous. The only thing that kept me from putting this book back was that Frieshner is the same person who wrote the books Nobody's Princess and Nobody's Prize which I liked.
Spirit's Princess is about a young girl named Himiko. She's the daughter of the chief of her clan which means she could very easily live a simple and pleasant life. But Himiko doesn't want a boring life simply sitting around with the other girls, gossiping and playing around. Himiko feels connected to the spirits, and she knows she's destined to do something great. She then starts her training as the apprentice of the shaman, something like a priestess, determined to become one no matter what.
Okay, there's another thing beside the cover I had a problem with. How old is this girl? At one point she's 7, then she's 9, then it feels like she's 14 but she's still only 9. Then suddenly she's 12 and soon after years passed. The book had a large time span. Also, this book is really thick but it only felt like the beginning of another story, and that this ending was only the beginning to the real plot. I don't know if there's a second book, but there SHOULD be one.
It's still a good book though... I wouldn't suggest it unless there's a second book and the sequel is sitting right next to you after you finish this one.
I'd rate the book a 7/10
~Mushu

Pegasus by Robin McKinley

This book was... okay? Because Pegasus is a fantasy, the author found a way to explain the fantastical world- through a history lesson. History bores me no matter what so... I found the first few chapters more than a little confusing. The writing is also very formal. But once you get through that a bit, the book becomes more interesting.
Pegasus is a book about a girl, Sylvie, and her pegasus, Ebon. She has a pegasus because she is a princess and royalty usually get their own pegasus. Now this is because of some treaty between the humans and the pegasi. Usually, there is a translator needed for a human and her/ his pegasus to communicate but Sylvie finds she can naturally speak to Ebon on her own. Sylvie and Ebon form a strong friendship, but it seems that this might be a bad thing...
Well, once adjusted to the book, it is pretty good. I actually think the idea itself was great but... not exactly the story. Anyway, so I'd suggest this to people who can get through a slow beginning, like history, or enjoy fantasy a lot.
Also, there is a sequel which has not yet come out. From the sources I checked, the sequel will come out in 2014. It might be a good idea to check that out
In my opinion, this book is a 5.5/10
~Mushu

Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond

This book is about the foundations of human history, specifically trying to answer this question: Why have the white people developed so much cargo, while the black people have so little of their own?
I believe the main theme, what the author believes as the answer, is that advantages are because of the geography, not due to race or intelligence.
Honestly, this book isn't exactly one you'd read for fun. It is very factual and at times really interesting, but  still boring- like reading a textbook.
This is typically a book which would be read for school or for academic purposes.
The overall book was factual and well written, but I didn't LIKE it, so I rate it a 5/10
~Mushu

My Mother The Cheerleader by Robert Sharenow

I read this book on a Wednesday because I stayed home sick still recovering from a fever. I have to say, some books I don't bother finishing but this one I did and that's really saying a lot.

This book was about a girl who lived with her mother who was, in fact, a cheerleader although not the type you would first assume. She was known as one of "The Cheerleaders" to the public world. "The Cheerleaders" was a group of women in the ninth ward of New Orleans who would stand outside the public school and shout insults at the one negro girl who was being sent to the "white" school as part of the acts of desegregation. This is the story of the girl, Louise, and her mother who work at an inn, Rooms on Desire, their home. And they have a very intriguing guest who influences their lives and will change them forever as well as the secrets that are revealed.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction because that's exactly what it is. It sort of has some romance in it and is probably a girl book but practically all of the books I read are considering I am a girl. This book might be more appropriate for middle school students and up or maybe even older elementary students.

I would rate this book an 8.6/10 because it was very good and entertaining enough for me to read it the entire way through while wanting to find out what happens next. Although it is not a 10/10 because some of the details and things that happened could have been better. In my opinion, the ending was good for the story which I usually think of books unless they're really boring or bad books. That's all.

-Flounder

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

I read this book on Tuesday when I was sick and stayed home from school. I have to say that it's different from a lot of the books I read and review. This book was a Pura Belpré Award Winner, a Jane Addams Children's Book Award Winner, a WIlla Catner Award Winner, an ALA Top Ten BEst Books for Young Adults, Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist and even more. So as you can see, this is a very good book.

This is a book about a girl name Esperanza who lives in Mexico with her mom, dad and Abuelita (grandmother) on their ranch. For reasons I won't tell you so as not to completely spoil the book, Esperanza and her mother have to escape Mexico with one of their servant's family and flee to California. This book is about Esperanza and her struggles adjusting to life on a Mexican labor camp.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about true issues and books about teenagers and struggles, not just about rich white girl troubles but about real people.

 Although this book won many awards, I would rate this book an 8.5/10 because I wasn't really very captured in the beginning of the book although once I got into it it started to get really good. Often times I was mad at Esperanza because she kept complaining and being rude although in her position I can understand how she would be very confused. Also, I got really attached to the character Miguel.

-Flounder

Sarah Bishop by Scott O'Dell

I read this book for a project when I was in 4th grade so I don't remember all the details of the story.

I do remember that this is about a girl named Sarah Bishop and she has to run away to the woods, although I don't remember why. I remember that I worked on this project with my friend and both of us were really into it.

I would recommend this to people who like adventure books and kind of lonely books because there aren't all that many people in this book.

I think when I read it I would have rated the book high so something like a 8/10 or maybe an 8.5/10 but I can't really remember. Read it and fill me in. :)

-Flounder
p.s. sorry, I know that was super vague and short but I'll re-read it sometime I get the chance and then I can fill in all the gaps, deal? Deal.

The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn by Dorothy Hoobler

Personally, I found this title wasn't exactly good. Usually the title is something important, or deep and related, or something. You think the book would be all about the ghost but it kind of isn't.
I read this book for school and I liked how it was short but fit the requirements. Unlike most historical fiction, I was not totally bored at the beginning. I was actually interested all the way through!
It is about Seikei, a merchant's boy who wants to be a samurai. Seikei was the only witness who saw the theif who stole a lord's ruby. Because of this, he goes on an adventure with Judge Ooka to uncover the thief, but they will also uncover a great many more things.
There was a big, wonderful semi-plot twist that the autor indirectly hinted at in the end. I liked that. I also liked how at the very end, there is a scene that kind of explains the confusing parts on how the Judge solved the mystery. There was a nice, happy ending so even though there is a sequel, I do not intend to read it.
I'd suggest this book to people interested in Japanese culture, historical fiction or mystery
And I'd rate this book a 8.5/10
~Mushu

The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff

This book was actually okay, it just wasn't my type. Like most historical fiction I've read, the book was hard to get into and the beginning was boring. After a while, I could more easily understand what was happening (because beside my studies, I wasn't very familiar with the culture).
It was well written, very interesting- just not my type so I couldn't exactly love it.
The book is based on Rome in historical times and is about a boy, Marcus, who sets off on a journey to find the truth about the ninth legion and their lost eagle.
Anyone who likes a good adventure, or a nice historical fiction, or is learning about Rome, I'd suggest this book.
I rate this book a 7.3/10

Red Scarf Girl by Ji-li Jiang

I had to read this book for school. This is a true story about a girl living in China during the time of the Cultural Revolution, when Chairman Mao was leading the Chinese on with the great leap forward. Anyways, Ji li, the girl, is telling the story from her point of view about everything that happened because she came from a family with a black background. If a family has a black background then it means that one of the ancestors in the family had a not right job (this could be a spoiler for you, if you're anything like me but in ji li's case it was that her grandfather was a landlord which is bad because all landlords "exploit" people).

In my opinion the book was good. It could have been better, but it was still good. I love to read and write and I kept noticing little details that could be changed to make the book happier and maybe give it more plot. But now, looking back after I have read the book, I think that if any of those details had been changed the book would have to have been completely different and wouldn't have shown the realistic harshness of that time.

If you have to read a book for school about China during this time period, or even if you're given this book to read for school and you're doubting it a little bit I will tell you this: it's better than you may think. I didn't have a very high expectation for this book when I read it because usually books for school are boring. When I started to read the book there would be times where I had to read another chapter and times when I wanted to stop in the middle of a chapter. But when I got about halfway through the book I just didn't want to put it down.

I guess I would rate this book a 6/10. Also, I'll just let you know right now, I'm a sappy person and this book made me cry.

-Flounder

-Flounder

Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah

I think Adeline Yen Mah wrote a couple of books with this title. The one I read was not fiction. And it wasn't Ancient china, but it was china so I'll put it under that lable. It's a good, but really sad story.
It can be for boys and girls, but if you can't handle how cruel people can be and stuff like that, don't read it.
I rate this book a 7/10
-Mushu

Dragon Keeper by Carole Wilkinson

I recommend that if you are given a list of books to read for school and you had to pick them, if this is an option, you should pick it. You really start to get into the characters and the building relationships and the journeys. The ending makes you satisfied yet you think about it and stuff.

On a scale from one to ten, with ten being the best, I would rate this book a 7.0 - 7.2

-Flounder

Rise of the Golden Cobra by Henry T. Aubin

I was not especially intrigued by this book because I had to read it for school. It's the journey of a young boy in ancient Egypt.

If you are fascinated by ancient times especially Egypt, then you may like this book but if you're like me then you may not enjoy is as much. It wasn't all that bad, I just wouldn't have read it on my free time.

On a scale from one to ten, with ten being the best, i would rate this book a 6.0

-Flounder