Pandemic (The Extinction Files Book #1) by A.G. Riddle (review by Saloni S. '21)

Pandemic by A.G. Riddle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bioterrorism. We’ve read about it in the news, heard from the TV anchors, but have we truly understood the plausibility of a global pandemic from a bioterrorist attack?

In the seven hundred page science fiction novel Pandemic, the first book in the Extinction series, author A.G. Riddle explores our vulnerability to a pandemic in an interconnected, global world; Conner McClain, head of a group of scientists known as “the Citium”, releases a deadly viral strain deep into the heart of the developing countries of Africa. While these events are taking place, protagonists Desmond Hughes, who is struggling to regain his memories, and Peyton Shaw, an epidemiologist at the CDC, scramble to find the cause and cure of this outbreak before it takes even more lives. This well-researched novel takes us deep into the world of the epidemiologists and public health workers who place themselves in danger in order to save the lives of others.

As the disease spreads across continents infecting and killing millions, Shaw and Hughes unveil treacherous secrets hidden deep inside the core of the Citium and tirelessly work to save the human race and to apprehend the criminals behind this deadly attack. Throughout this engaging novel, Riddle combines science and historic facts with the thrill of an action-packed story, further enthralling the reader. By alternating among different characters' points of view, the author intimately communicates the heart-wrenching emotions from each stunning revelation, drawing the reader deeper into the storyline. You won't be able to put this book down.

I read Pandemic on a plane and definitely enjoyed it more than watching movies; the book also makes one appreciate the importance of research and resources invested in the early identification of pathogens and response mechanisms. Overall, Pandemic is a great story and I would definitely recommend this book to a reader who wishes to read an enthralling, informative science fiction novel. I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Genome, which will be released in October this year! - Saloni S. '21

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Once and for All by Sarah Dessen (review by Anya W. '20)

Once and for All by Sarah Dessen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After losing Ethan, Louna isn't sure if she can ever fall in love again at all, and her summer job helping out at her romantically jaded mother's wedding planning business isn't doing anything to change that. Not even a friendship with Ambrose, the new hire and a natural playboy, or an intriguing bet will change that. But now, it is a matter of who will give up on the bet first: Ambrose, who has to find someone to go steady with for seven weeks, or Louna who has to go on two dates a week for the same amount of time. After all the winner's prize (getting to choose who the loser goes out with next) is too good to turn down... And Sarah Dessen has rolled out another instant classic. Just like her other works, the novel is a cute romance with a few more serious undertones filled to the brim with lovable characters. While I would not have minded a bit of more rounding out of Ambrose and Jilly (the best friend) neither were by any means flat. - Anya W. '20

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Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (review by Sachi B. '21)

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Written by John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, is a heartwarming novella about two men working to achieve their dream of having their own farm. The novel revolves around the Lennie and George, the protagonists who are complete opposites. George, a smart and caring man, acts as a protector for Lennie, a hard-working man with the mind of a child. The duo work and travel together as migrant workers in California during the Great Depression. Though George sometimes criticizes Lennie for being an extra burden for him, deep down he knows that he can never abandon him. Both Lennie and George have absolutely no family; they only have each other. These two men work in a farm, dreaming of the day to have sufficient money to buy their own land. While the novel is mostly light-hearted, it takes a massive turn towards the end, which made me give it four stars due to the extremely depressing ending. Despite the climax of the novel, this book showcased the importance of friendship and how one always needs another human by their side. I would definitely recommend this short but sweet novel that teaches the important message of friendship. - Sachi B. '21

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The Handbook of Us: Understanding and Accepting People with Autism by Matteo Musso (review by Kelsey W. '19)

Handbook of Us: Understanding and Accepting People with Autism by Matteo Musso
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Handbook of Us is a book written by Matteo Musso, a 13-year-old boy with Autism. Until the age of 12, Matteo was considered “non-verbal”, meaning that he could not conduct regular conversation. His mom discovered RPM (Rapid Prompting Method), a speech-prompting method that allowed Matteo to express his thoughts. Since then, Matteo experienced what he described as a “brain explosion” – he began writing beautifully about his experiences and perceptions of life. This book details how he himself portrays his diagnosis of autism and features some of his beautiful poetry. The autobiographical work is truly phenomenal and very moving, as Matteo’s unique perspectives draw us into his world. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone, particularly those who are looking to view neurodevelopmental differences in a different light. - Kelsey W. '19

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