A Dirty War by Anna Politkovskaya (review by Alice W. '16)

A Dirty War by Anna Politkovskaya
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Few people knew of Chechnya before the Boston Marathon bombing; even fewer people know of the struggles that have pervaded Chechnya's short history, and the two Chechen Wars from 1994-6 and 1999-2000 fought on its soil. In this collection of articles, Anna Politkovskaya, an investigative journalist for the Novaya Gazeta, paints a harsh, glaring picture of the fate of the civilians, Russians and Chechens alike, who were the main victims of the early crossfire between the Russian federal forces and the Chechen fighters and later the actual targets of gross atrocities committed by both soldiers and rebels during the second war. This book may be difficult for those not particularly well-versed in international affairs, but I was able to comprehend most of the politics through both textual clues and my own inferences. Moreover, the countless inexcusable crimes and massacres chronicled in A Dirty War makes it a difficult book to go through without tearing up in grief and frustration over the injustices. Despite these obstacles, A Dirty War is a moving work of literature and anyone who does finish would agree the messages it conveys makes it well-worth the time. - Alice W. '16

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Frostbite by Richelle Mead (review by Tiffany Z. '17)

Frostbite by Richelle Mead
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The second book in the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead, Frostbite continues Rose Hathaway's adventures with her best friend, the Moroi princess Lissa Dragomir. Mead introduces many fresh new characters and revisits old ones in a different light. The constant threat of a mass encounter with the evil Strigoi heightens suspense, and in fact, the novel culminates in a dramatic, definitive battle that leaves readers curious for what will come next in the series. Although there is less action than in the first book, Mead tells the story with the usual wit and precision. What lacks in physical conflict is wholly made up with intriguing complications in relationships, especially a romantic one between Rose and her mentor Dimitri Belikov. The significance of the relationship between Rose and her mother, however, is less clear. Also, many less significant events receive unwarranted attention. Overall, Frostbite assumes the role of a bridge to further titles and simultaneously delivers the excitement and vivid storytelling of a centerpiece of the series. – Tiffany Z. ‘17

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The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury (review by Evani R. '17)

The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Martian Chronicles is a collection of connected short stories about man and Martians. Bradbury paints a picture of a Mars ruined by human colonists. Although no one character travels the entire length of the book, the eerie, fascinating stories have imaginative settings. Stories are suspenseful and tackle human topics of jealousy, selfishness, racism, and actual events of the past. Throughout the book, we find out that the four expeditions for human occupation are due to the imminent atomic war on Earth. Bradbury writes his tales with lyrical beauty that culminate in an unforgettable ending . The Martian Chronicles is a great collection for both science fiction fans as well as general readers. – Evani R. ‘17

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Watchmen by Alan Moore (review by Huck V. '14)

Watchmen by Alan Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Watchmen, written by Alan Moore, illustrated by Dave Gibbons and colored by John Higgins, is among the most critically acclaimed graphic novels ever created. Illustrated in a traditional superhero style, Watchmen has an aura of nostalgia that comic connoisseurs will enjoy. It is a 1985 in which a band of American superheroes known as the Watchmen have already made their mark on history but have been relatively quiet for many years. Something, however, is afoot. Retired vigilantes are falling left and right while tensions between the USSR and the US are heating up. Elaborate personal histories enrich interweaving story lines. Moore pays homage to the classic superhero form while not conforming to traditional styles by any means. The plot escalates rapidly from start to finish culminating in a final scene that will leave readers wishing there were more pages to flip. – Huck V. ‘14

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Dracula by Bram Stoker (review by Evani R. '17)

Dracula by Bram Stoker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Stefanie Meyer’s Twilight series does not come close to Stoker's classic vampire tale Dracula. Narrated through a collection of diary entries and letters, the book starts with the journey of Jonathan Harker, an English lawyer, on his way to Dracula's remote castle. The vampire's hospitable manner to Harker is suspicious, and the young man soon realizes that he is imprisoned in the castle. Harker himself begins to see Dracula's supernatural powers and becomes even more frightened. The novel takes off from there involving three wanton female vampires known as "the Sisters," Harker's fiancée, Mina Murray, and her strangely ill friend, Lucy Westenra. The literature will take every reader on an adventure with twists and turns and will appeal especially to those who enjoy mystery and horror. – Evani R. ‘17

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The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (review by Daphne Y. '16)

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although I assumed it to be another one of those fictions popularized by the movie, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a very good read. The epistolary format allows the reader to connect with Charlie, the protagonist, and relate to the problems he encounters over the course of his freshman year. Charlie is a wallflower due to complications in the past, so he initially has a hard time making friends and socializing with anyone except his English teacher. I found myself mentally giving him advice on every letter. Referencing almost all aspects of life a teenager, the book is very thorough, though sometimes going a bit overboard, such as with the excessive drug abuse. The book is aimed towards all adolescents and maturing teens, but it can be appealing to adults as well, as they can experience or learn about a few things that their kids might be going through. It's really suited for everyone; a great novel to read and discuss with the family! - Daphne Y. '16

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Invisibility by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan (review by Mr. Morrissey, Harker librarian)

Invisibility by Andrea Cremer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Invisibilty, co-written by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan, tells the fascinating story of Stephen, a semi-orphaned teenager who is invisible to everyone (or so he thinks) and Elizabeth, a new girl who moves into his New York City apartment building. Together, the new neighbors discover why Stephen is cursed and how Elizabeth can see through it. Along with Elizabeth’s slightly younger brother, the teens learn about spellseekers, cursecasters, and the dangers that might befall the entire city of New York if Stephen’s evil grandfather cannot be stopped. Cremer and Levithan have crafted a masterpiece that will appeal to males and females alike, as well as fans of science fiction, romance, and realism, three genres that are not often intertwined. Alternating chapters from Elizabeth’s and Stephen’s perspectives keep the reader hooked to the sad but still satisfying ending. A sequel may or may not be inevitable, but Invisibility is the type of story that will inspire much reader speculation on the future of its characters and would be perfect for group discussions. - Mr. Morrissey, Harker librarian

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The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett (review by Andrew R. '17)

The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The Color of Magic is merely a gateway into Terry Pratchett's wildly popular Discworld series, but it is certainly not his strongest or smoothest novel. The plot follows Rincewind, an incompetent and cowardly wizard, as he leads the tourist Twoflower on a tour of the Discworld. As the entire story takes place on a flat world that balances precariously on the backs of four celestial elephants, it's easy to predict that the book's storyline will be hectic and eccentric. Unfortunately, this randomness is the novel's downfall. Sudden plot twists and rushed battle scenes confuse and ultimately distract the reader from Pratchett's witty writing. Overall, while avid readers of fantasy may enjoy this book, it is really only worth as an introduction to the subsequent and higher-quality Discworld titles, none of which need to be read in any particular order. – Andrew R. ‘17

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Bone by Jeff Smith (review by Huck V. '14)

Bone by Jeff Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What happens when Tin Tin goes to Middle-earth? Artist and writer, Jeff Smith shows us in his graphic epic Bone. Bone is unlike any other series; complete with hopeless sweethearts, sweeping battle panoramas, and quiche-loving rat creatures. The three Bone cousins, Fone, Phoney and Smiley, have been run out of Boneville and find themselves swept into a magical, wooded valley where their adventures begin. Smith moves the plot along consistently, all the while incorporating amazing artwork that makes Bone an enjoyable visual experience. Bone is suitable for a variety ages; while there is death and betrayal there are also clever puns and physical humor subtly woven in with more serious themes. Jeff Smith perfectly blends love, desolation and humor into an epic tale not easily forgotten. – Huck V. ‘14

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Kingdom of the Wicked by Derek Landy (review by Cynthia H. '16)

Kingdom of the Wicked by Derek Landy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After defeating the Death Bringer, seventeen-year old magician-detective Valkyrie Cain and her wisecracking, fire-throwing skeleton partner Skulduggery Pleasant are back for the seventh installment of Landry’s series. Here, they track down a magical extremist who calls himself Argeddion while dealing with a group of vicious, arrogant teenagers who have just come into their powers. Valkryie and Skulduggery must also face their old enemies Darquesse and Lord Vile, who pose a threat that cannot be ignored. Reading the other books in the Skulduggery Pleasant series before starting Kingdom of the Wicked is highly recommended, since readers’ understanding of the plot relies heavily on knowledge of past events. Although the multiple plotlines and abundance of main characters can be confusing at times, the witty dialogue and writing style, intriguing characters, action-packed fight scenes, suspenseful plot twists, and a cliffhanger ending make Kingdom of the Wicked well worth a read (or two, or three). – Cynthia H. ‘16

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Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides (review by Meilan S. '17)

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Middlesex, by Jeffery Eugenides, is a book that crosses boundaries. Not only is the subject matter, the story of a pseudohermaphrodite, Callie/Cal struggling with self-identity, fresh, but the book also encompasses several genres. It begins as a historical novel as we explore the lives of Callie/Cal's parents and grandparents. It shows the scientific side of his condition, as well as how it affects him emotionally, from confusing crushes to the hybrid emotions he feels when trying to be a girl. Furthermore, it is told in an uncommon narrative voice: first person omniscient, which adds to the fresh feel of the novel. The book is an enthralling masterpiece, and despite the extraordinary events that unfold, Eugenides is able to keep it grounded with Callie/Cal's narration, which is extremely relatable and realistic. Without a doubt, Middlesex is a fantastic book, and I whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting and satisfying literary journey. - Meilan S. '17

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Camille by Alexandre Dumas-fils (review by Meilan S. '17)

Camille by Alexandre Dumas-fils
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Camille, by Alexandre Dumas Jr., is a perfectly fine book. It follows the story of love between a young nobleman, Armand Duval, and a “lady of the city,” Marguerite Gautier. At first Gautier is cold and refuses Duval's advances, but she quickly opens up to him and falls in love. Although the novel is lush with descriptions of 19th century Paris and makes some valid observations on society, it is emotionally lacking. This is especially disappointing given the potential storyline. Unfortunately, the book, like a glass of warm milk, is nice and nothing more. Parts are told too quickly or in a style that makes some events seem unbelievable and the characters unsympathetic, especially Duval who seems like a flat caricature. By the end of the book, I found myself not caring all too much about Marguerite and Duval. It has several redeeming qualities like plot and theme, however, so it makes a good read, though not a fantastic one. - Meilan S. '17

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A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin (review by Huck V. '14)

A Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

George R. R. Martin has rebounded with A Dance with Dragons, the fifth installment in The Song of Ice and Fire series. Many a die-hard Martin fan will rejoice as they reunite with their favorite characters. Jon Snow struggles with his new post of lord commander of the Nights Watch while Dany watches her dragons approach adulthood in the overseas city of Mereen. Martin’s vivid writing makes for what might be the most chilling set of character arcs that have appeared in the entire Song of Ice and Fire. While not all plot developments in A Dance with Dragons are interesting or relevant to the central action and main characters, the storyline is moved forward and will leave fans re-reading their favorite chapters to sate their hunger for Martin’s latest material. Those who endured the fourth book – which explored a tangential plotline – will be pleased that their favorite characters have returned. Multiple story lines end with cliff hangers all of which are underscored by an impending doom. The notorious and the long awaited winter, it seems, has finally come. Martin is back on track. – Huck V. ‘14

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Escape from Camp 14 by Blaine Harden (review by Soham K. '17)

Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West by Blaine Harden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A heart-wrenching and terrifying book, Escape from Camp 14 traces the life of Shin, a prisoner trapped in a “complete control center” hidden in the shadowy mountains of North Korea. His sole crime? Being the grandson of a man who fled south during the disastrous Korean War. The only documented escape and defection from a control center, Shin’s story is harrowing. Certain incidents are forever etched in my mind, such as when a starving five-year old girl, found with five kernels of corn, is brutally beaten to death by her “teacher.” Or when Shin—at age 13—is tortured when his mother and brother try to escape. Or his dramatic escape and triumphant repatriation to South Korea. Powerfully rendered through his spare prose, Harden vivifies Shin’s monumental struggles and his subsequent integration into the free world. The author’s ability to open musty doors and expose the carnage committed daily in North Korea makes Escape from Camp 14 an exposé extraordinaire. Those upset by horrific, albeit true, detail may wish to stay away. For those willing to bear witness, this is a must-read. – Soham K. ‘17

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The Luxe by Anna Godbersen (review by Samyu Y. '15)

The Luxe by Anna Godbersen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The year is 1899, and the place is New York City. A glimpse of satin, silk, taffeta, or lace is visible around every corner of each gilded mansion, and fine carriages dominate the roads where the wealthy live. Gossip follows every eligible young person like a cloud – a cloud that others are only too delighted to darken. Illicit affairs, social impropriety, and scandal are the entertainment of the day. In this world, the Holland family works to elevate two daughters to perfection: Elizabeth, seemingly pious but secretly defiant, and Diana, an outward rebel but romantic at heart. Godbersen’s language weaves its way elegantly around thwarted romances, atrocious rumors, and secret abhorrence to reveal the unhappily tangled lives of the 1900 New York elite. A light read, this first novel of the Luxe series is expressed in pretty but unremarkable writing -- though the description of the dresses and the parties is extravagant. Readers of Gossip Girl and The Clique series or watchers of Pretty Little Liars will be swept away in this bracingly different version of catty cliques and damsels in distress. – Samyu Y. ‘15

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The Dinner by Herman Koch (review by Meilan S. '17)

The Dinner by Herman Koch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ready for a literary treat? The Dinner, by Herman Koch, follows two Dutch couples meeting for dinner to discuss a moral dilemma revolving around their sons. Reading about four adults eating for an entire book may not sound appetizing, but The Dinner is a riveting page-turner. In a style characteristic of the postmodern era, Koch focuses more on character development than plot twists like explosions and bar fights (not to say there aren’t any of those). Even though it takes place over a very short period of time, the book manages to stay interesting by incorporating multiple flashbacks. It even has humorous moments thanks to the narrator’s amusing view of the world, despite the heavy subject matter. The Dinner is a fantastic book full of surprises that will make you think. The Dinner will not entice everyone. Lovers of action/adventure/romance/fantasy may have difficulty finishing it. – Meilan S. ‘17

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Divergent by Veronica Roth (review by Anushka D. '15)

Divergent by Veronica Roth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Imagine a dystopia in which everyone at the age of 16 must choose one of five factions: Dauntless, Amity, Abnegation, Candor, or Erudite. Created at first to balance and seam together society, the system soon threatens to fall apart because of greed and corruption. Veronica Roth frames the story through the eyes of Beatrice Prior, a girl who must choose her faction and deal with the decaying structure of her world. Beatrice captures the hearts of readers easily; she is incredibly brave, selfless, and intelligent. While the book presents a wonderfully unique and fascinating society that is struggling to keep itself upright, it also ensnares readers through the battles Beatrice fights with herself, her family, her friends, and the boy she grows to love. Divergent is beautifully written and extremely hard to put down. I am definitely looking forward to its sequel: Insurgent. Recommended for fans of The Hunger Games. –Anushka D. ‘15

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Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (review by Tiffany Z. '17)

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead is the first book in a series that explores the life of Rose Hathaway, the guardian and loyal friend of royal vampire princess Lissa Dragomir. Rose and Lissa are just returning from an escape from their school for vampires, St. Vladimir's Academy. Upon arriving, however, they face not only trouble with the school clique but also potential boyfriend problems. The conflicts heighten when Rose falls in love with her mentor Dimitri Belikov and discovers dangerous secrets about Lissa's powers. Finally, the friends are suddenly faced with imminent danger from the evil Strigoi. The plotline is intriguing; circumstances and events flow together seamlessly, and characters are depicted fairly realistically, though near the end loose plot ends are tied up very hastily. Some elements of the book are bland or predictable. However Vampire Academy is a thrilling friendship drama and romance combined with plenty of action, and this first installment promises an exciting series. – Tiffany Z. ‘17

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Crashing Through by Robert Kurson (review by Zina J. '14)

Crashing Through: A True Story of Risk, Adventure, and the Man Who Dared to See by Robert Kurson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Crashing Through shares Paralympic winner Mike May’s journey from blindness into a world of sight, the struggles of this journey, the science behind the surgery that made Mike’s vision possible, and his ultimate destiny. The book excellently increases the reader’s understanding of blindness both on a scientific and social level. Kurson thoroughly fleshes out Mike’s emotions, thoughts, and choices. On the flip side, the author spends about a third of the book explaining why Mike chose to have the surgery, yet determining Mike’s choice was pretty obvious just by looking at the cover of the book. The book did, however, become increasingly more interesting in the second half. Considering that Mike May’s story is rare, as this surgery has only been given to a selected few before, the book leaves an insight not only on blindness but also on the surgery. As a result, this book can appeal to any reader but is particularly interesting for those interested in blindness. – Zina J. ‘14

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Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk (review by Elisabeth S. '16)

Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Invisible Monsters follows a small group of fashion models trekking across the states trying to find themselves. The unnamed main character, a former fashion model, is disfigured -- crippled by a mysterious accident. She hides under a veil and is known to others as a monster. In speech therapy, she meets supermodel Brandy Alexander, and the story unfolds from there. This book is fast-paced and not for the faint of heart. It starts with a house fire and only gains speed. The imagery is shocking and offensive with its brutal clarity. Palahniuk’s details land like punches without let up. His plots are artful and ingenious; the twists nearly impossible to see coming. Highly recommended. 5 – Elisabeth S. ‘16

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The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton (review by Elisabeth S. '16)

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The Outsiders details the conflicts of adolescent Ponyboy as he and tries to find his way among the street gangs of his hometown. Hinton’s novel is weak. Artless prose replaces the jolting grittiness necessary to carry the toughness. The violence is bland and unrevealing. Hinton doesn't convey the wrenching, heartfelt sentiment behind these events. The book ends up an expressionless shopping list of incidents of Ponyboy's youth. The Outsiders may excite younger audiences, but will more likely irritate the more jaded readers. – Elisabeth S. ‘16

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A Countess Below the Stairs by Eva Ibbotson (review by Sophia S. '15)

A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Although Eva Ibbotson's matter-of-fact writing takes some getting used to, I wish more authors would adopt her unique style of frank writing. The narrator’s humor is understated – not unlike a terribly funny joke delivered with a poker face. A Countess Below the Stairs delves into a servant's world in the early 1900's and revolves around Anna, an impoverished Russian countess posing as a housemaid in household of an engaged English earl. Unsurprisingly, the earl and the countess fall in love. In the meantime, the inhabitants of Mersham Manor discover that the earl's fiancée’s glamor is only skin deep. The gem of the book is the delightfully wicked plan a determined butler concocts to drive the shallow woman away. Although the plot is captivating, the romance is not. Anna and Rupert's love blooms from so astonishingly few meaningful encounters as to render it unreal. While it’s unlikely Ibbotson’s title will resonate for long, readers will enjoy the story. – Sophia S. ‘15

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Fire by Kristine Cashore (review by Anushka D. '15)

Fire by Kristin Cashore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I first picked up Fire, I was expecting a typical story dealing with a girl with magical powers who is suddenly embroiled in an action-packed plot to fight evil with a gorgeous male by her side. However, although the book does feature a girl with magical mind-reading powers, Cashore manages to create a wonderful and unique fantasy world of her own full of princes, dragons, and magic. In the land of Dells, Fire, a monster in the shape of a beautiful woman, is forced to face hatred and jealousy because of her supernatural abilities. When asked to help the king defeat his enemies, Fire must face her fears and prove herself, not as a monster, but as a human. The plot grasps the reader with its innovative and emotional personality, and the characters each find their own space in the reader’s hearts. Although there is a gorgeous male, Cashore sprinkles in just the right amount of romance to keep the readers entertained. This book is a companion book to Cashore’s debut novel, Graceling, and definitely a worthy sequel. Fans of fantasy, magic, and mystery will enjoy both books! – Anushka D. ‘15

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