Inamorata by Megan Chance (review by Linus L. '18)

Inamorata by Megan Chance
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One of many novels by Megan Chance, Inamorata depicts the incestuous love between Joseph Hannigan, a skilled artist, and his sister Sophie and their search for a better future. Told in 19th century Venice, the story gracefully flows through the tale of the siblings’ search for fame, unaware of the darkness that takes on the form of Odilé, a powerful succubus. Chance dexterously intertwines imagery and irony to fully capture the attention of the reader, constructing ethereal images of the Italian landscape. A powerful book with an interesting plot, Inamorata’s ending twist blows the expectations of the reader out of the water. I thoroughly enjoyed imagining the scenes of the novel with the aid of its skillfully woven language, and I slowly became further enraptured by the plotline. However, I was somewhat startled by the hinted incest in the beginning of the story. While the author does introduce it with grace, the concept does require a warning for readers who would be uncomfortable with such content. - Linus L. '18

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2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke (review by Connie M. '17)

2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

2001: A Space Odyssey depicts the first encounters of humankind with alien intelligence. This story has become one of the most well known sci-fi tales and is written by one of the greats. The story begins as a series of seemingly unconnected accounts, but gathers speed by the time we reach the halfway point. The second half of the novel blazes by in a suspense-filled whirlwind. The last 30 pages of the book holds perhaps as much action as the rest of the book put together, culminating in a thought-provoking and poetic ending. Clarke writes without extravagant vocabulary yet manages to vividly depict the beauty of space. While 2001 has little humor and no romance and thus may not appeal to everyone, it is a must read for any true science fiction lover and contains much food for thought for any reader. - Connie M. '17

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The October Country by Ray Bradbury (review by Lauren L. '17)

The October Country by Ray Bradbury
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The October Country is a collection of short stories in which Bradbury explores the consequences of reality as we know it brushing against a supernatural world. Each story is different - some characters respond with fear, some a determined naiveté and courage. Through them, he explores the flaws and habits of humanity in general as well as of commonplace qualities of the average person. Not every story is as enjoyable as it might be, and in some ways, the stories are too predictable, not in the unimaginative zombie apocalypse or haunted house sort of way, but in that it’s fairly obvious where the plot is going. Nevertheless, they are worth the read. Anyone who enjoys both the supernatural and horror (even if it’s not all that scary) would enjoy The October Country. - Lauren L. '17

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The Lost Books of The Odyssey by Zachary Mason (review by Allison W. '16)

The Lost Books of The Odyssey by Zachary Mason
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Lost Books of the Odyssey consists of short stories that center mainly on well-known parts of The Iliad and The Odyssey, with twists that create new perspectives on well-known mythology. Although each story is engaging and worth reading, the work as a whole is disconnected. Every “book” is independent, with some even contradicting others, which is consistent with the oral tradition of The Iliad and The Odyssey; however, this organization also causes the novel to lose its momentum between stories. A chronological ordering would have been less confusing and potentially more compelling, but even without any clear arrangement, The Lost Books of the Odyssey is worth reading for its interesting additions and alterations to Greek mythology. - Allison W. '16

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Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot by David Shafer (review by Mr. Anthony Silk)

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot by David Shafer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Do you like books that feed your fear that there is an evil corporation ready to take over the world? If so, you will enjoy Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, a fast-paced thriller that ties NGOs, conspiracy theorists, and self-help gurus together as they try to first unravel and then foil a chillingly subversive plot. The book does take a little while to get started, and after the first 50 pages or so may be asking yourself the title of this book. But if you hold on you'll find a zippy, and mostly believable ride full of nefarious characters, chases, and lots of clever, well-written dialog. Be warned, though, with 50 pages left you may worry that there is no way it will all get wrapped up, and you'd be right. But like the big blockbuster movies, this one is about the journey, not the destination. Definitely 16+ for lots (and lots) of language and drug/alcohol use (but minimal violence). Mr. Anthony Silk (Harker Teacher)

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The Circle by Dave Eggers (review by Andrew R. '17)

The Circle by Dave Eggers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Privacy in social media and on the Internet is a hot topic these days—the perfect target for some biting satire and not-so-futuristic science fiction. That’s what Dave Eggers is going for in The Circle, at least. He achieves those ends without offering much in the way of plot complexity or meaningful commentary. The storyline follows Mae Holland as she works her way up the corporate ladder of the Circle—a Silicon Valley super-corporation that seems to hold a monopoly over all the social media, scientific research, and Internet services. The section of the narrative where Mae relinquishes all her privacy to improve her standing in the company is chilling, but its impact is lessened by Eggers’s lack of subtlety in exposing the corporation’s tyranny: when the Circle’s executives make SECRETS ARE LIES, SHARING IS CARING, PRIVACY IS THEFT the new company motto, for instance, it’s hard to think of the campus as anything less than a malicious, 1984-like surveillance state. The Circle would have made a potent commentary on one of today’s most-discussed issues if it had spent more time on an intricate plot and less on too-obvious catchphrases and images of corruption. - Andrew R. '17

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Walk Me Home by Catherine Ryan Hyde (review by Melissa K. '18)

Walk Me Home by Catherine Ryan Hyde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After their mother dies, two sisters Carly and Jen trek from New Mexico to California in hopes of living with her ex-boyfriend. Trying to dodge Child Protective Services, they risk hitchhiking with strangers, dehydration in the desert, and stealing for sustenance. They pass small towns and encounter an odd variety of people, whose quirks are the highlight of the novel. Even the minor characters have distinctive voices. Catherine Ryan Hyde manages to convey regional accents so naturally that the reader barely notices them. The downside of the novel was the overuse of fragments, which distracts from the plot. If that annoys you, avoid this book. Otherwise, Walk Me Home is an easy, satisfying read. - Melissa K. '18

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