Altered by Jennifer Rush (review by Sophia S. '15)

Altered by Jennifer Rush
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The plot of a romance between genetically enhanced, mentally and physically, super-human boy and a girl whose memories have been altered without her knowledge vs. the secret organization that experiments medically on human subjects has so much potential, but this book simply does not measure up. I understand what the author is trying to accomplish in the scenes where characters discover hidden truths about their lives, truths that impact their views of their place in the world, but as a reader, I am unaffected. This book also is unsuccessful in the romance department. The subtleties between the protagonists are so understated and nuanced as to be negligible. The style is similar yet inferior to Lauren Kate's writing. All in all, not recommend except for fans devoted to supernatural romance. – Sophia S. ‘15

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Slammed by Colleen Hoover (review by Anushka D. '15)

Slammed by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although Slammed begins with the cliché love tragedy between teacher and student, the plot quickly unravels itself to reveal an intriguing and efficacious twist of broken hearts, beautiful poetry, and tear-jerking misfortunes. While interesting, at times the story becomes a bit too chaotic: the main characters are both too lucky and unlucky at the same time, and the story a bit too whimsical. The poetry Hoover infuses into the book is, however, inspiring, and poignant, and effectively grounds the rather overwhelming plotline. The romance is uplifting and the ending, a neatly tied bow. Although I am not ready to experience the turmoil of the sequel, it is sure to be just as emotional and stimulating as this tumultuous start! Readers looking for both laughs and tears will be rewarded. - Anushka D. '15

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Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger (review by Sophia S. '15)

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I admit I was drawn to this book due to its mysterious cover. Who doesn't love female spies? I had hoped that Etiquette and Espionage would enliven the female spy character utilized by some authors – it has been rendered trite by many. Unfortunately, this book does not overcome that particular banality. Carriger's sophisticated writing, however, is appealing, especially in tandem with the snort-out-loud sass that the main character Sophronia produces. In the midst of the espionage is a science fictional backdrop of steam punk Britain, which provides interesting fodder for adventure. The sequel should be an interesting read, and I am looking forward to the emotional development of the young female protagonist. A light novel; readers of Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan series will enjoy this sci-spy title. – Sophia S. ‘15

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The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande (review by Samyu Y. '15)

The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Harvard doctor’s perspective on medicine, The Checklist Manifesto offers a unique and workable way to make medicine safer and more efficient: checklists. Like his previous two works, Gawande’s third book deals with the shortcomings in the practice of medicine and, more importantly, simple ways to fix them. Having observed the benefits of checklists in other professions, such as airplane piloting and construction, Gawande moves to bring it into medicine. Gawande uses a sophisticated, crisp writing style. His, suspenseful narrations of medical cases paint the vivid scenes and his suggestions are well founded in research, and personal experience. Though his book is compiled as a series of essays, it reads like a gripping novel that sets the reader to serious consideration not only of medicine, but also of the little mistakes in everyday occupations and how a simple checklist can save lives. Any reader will enjoy this refreshing, probing, and eloquent discussion of the modern workplace. – Samyu Y. ‘15

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Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (review by Sophia S. '15)

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although this book's plot is the worn out story line of a secret princess-assassin fighting a hidden evil with the help of a handsome prince and a captivating guard, the author inserts just enough originality to captivate the reader's attention. The saving graces include perfectly timed and honed humor scattered throughout the dialogue, surprisingly sophisticated character development, and only a brief flirtation with the cliche of the girl torn between the two male protagonists (the author expresses disinterest in that age-old struggle before the end of the book). Maas sets up a sequel perfectly, and I will definitely read the second novel. Overall, avid readers of Tamora Pierce and Cassandra Clare will enjoy this action-packed and light romance. - Sophia S. ’15


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Unwind by Neal Shusterman (review by Nikita R. '16)

Unwind by Neal Shusterman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Imagine a world where teenagers are at a constant risk to be “unwound,” or have their body parts harvested to be donated later, by their parents. This sociological dystopia can be viewed in Neal Shusterman’s novel Unwind, a must-read. Poignant and illustrative, the story not only fully draws the readers into a grippingly heart-rending world but also raises questions about many current societal controversies, for instance abortion. Told from the viewpoints of three different desperate teenagers, Unwind is an engaging tale about a fight to survive while questioning existence itself. The first book in the Unwind Trilogy, Unwind is especially recommended for readers who appreciate powerful, complex characters, but will be relished by people of any age. - Nikita R. '16

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Soon I Will Be Invincible by Austin Grossman (review by Mrs. Vaughan, Harker librarian)

Soon I Will Be Invincible by Austin Grossman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The world's population includes nearly 2,000 super-powered beings. Some, like the recently escaped from high security prison Dr. Impossible, intend to rule the world. Fortunately the Champions, the world's most famous team of superheroes, are bent on saving it. Narration flips between the obsessed evil genius Dr. Impossible and rookie Champion Fatale and leads us on a break neck ride through Impossible’s latest attempt at world domination in which he threatens a self-engineered ice age. The story includes wonderful action sequences, an imaginative set of beings that only a die-hard comic book fan could dream up and the very human side of these personalities. A pure delight from beginning to end, fans of Artemis Fowl, Ender’s Game and Terry Pratchett’s DiscWorld novels will love Grossman’s Soon I Will Be Invincible. - Mrs. Vaughan, Harker librarian

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Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein (review by Mrs. Vaughan, Harker librarian)

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wein's novel is wonderful! Deeply researched and eminently plausible, this fictional account of two young British women -- one a pilot and one a spy -- during WWII is gripping and heartrending. The novel is told from alternating points of view including the gripping narrative of the captured spy “Verity.” So involved in Wein's plot, I felt as if I was abandoning the characters when I put down the book -- and read it in one sitting. She's done an amazing job a creating two powerful characters and embedding them in a thrilling tale of espionage, history and undying loyalty. Code Name Verity is an excellent choice for both adult and young adult fans of historical thrillers. - Mrs. Vaughan, Harker librarian

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When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (review by Mrs. Vaughan, Harker librarian)

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stead's book accomplishes what I like best in a novel. The story of twelve-year-old Miranda is beautifully simple, yet littered with moments of wonderful insight.
Miranda is not especially anything -- not suffering some great injustice nor blessed with exceptional intelligence or beauty. Maybe it is her ordinariness that makes her and her story so hypnotic. When the story opens she's inexplicably estranged from a life-long friend and neighbor Sal. In the void, she ends up making some surprising -- and yes, even magical -- discoveries elsewhere. L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time, a favorite of both the author and Miranda, provides a subtle time travel motif.
While When You Reach Me is at home in the genre of young adult literature, somehow it doesn't read like Stead was writing it just for teens. Adults should read it, too. This book is a lovely and perfect small miracle. - Mrs. Vaughan, Harker librarian


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