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Book Reviews by Teens, for Teens! |
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The Outsiders
by S. E Hinton
Book Reviewed by Katie
"I'm going to skip the plot summary for this one because I feel that most people have had to read this for school before. If you haven't read it before it is a super short book that you should definitely read!!! I first read this book in 8th grade and then reread it in 12th grade for my literature class. Reading it at 17 made it feel less special and life-changing than it did when I was 13. Don't get me wrong it's an amazing book and it was the start of the young adult genre as it's known today but it just didn't feel as impactful as it did in middle school. If you read this book in middle school I would recommend rereading it and comparing your thoughts on it now to your thoughts on it then.".
What does this book remind you of? "It reminded me of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie because of the style and coming of age theme."
Who would enjoy reading this book? "Younger YA readers (8th/9th grade)."
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To the Lighthouse
by Virginia Woolf
Book Reviewed by Matina
"This book follows the Ramsey family and their summer vacations spent at their summer house. It describes the complex relationships of these characters and the people who come in contact with them, such as the artist Lily Briscoe, and the poet, Augustus Carmichael. The enlivening, maternal force that Mrs. Ramsey emits clashes complete with the stark tones that surround her spouse, Mr. Ramsey. There is a plethora of human relationships explored in this piece, and it does it flawlessly while grappling with themes of loss, war, and connection. The way the years prior to and after the Great War flow seamlessly is truly a sight to behold. And in the end, the journey to the lighthouse, is completed at last."
What made you interested in reading this book? "It was mentioned a lot in Alison Bechdel's Are You My Mother."
What does this book remind you of? "This book is reminiscent of Fun Home by Alison Bechdel, as it also dives deep into intricately woven familial bonds."
Who would enjoy reading this book? "Those who enjoy books that are verbose and where nothing but seemingly everything happens will find this book to be a delight."
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Pride & Prejudice
by Austen
Book Reviewed by Abby
"Pride and Prejudice, written by Jane Austen and published in 1813, is a simplistic (yet difficult) novel about Elizabeth Bennet and her family navigating through the difficulties of both harsh judgement and true happiness. This novel is heavily known for how many readers thought it was bland or flat or boring, but I personally found that the language used was difficult to understand at first, but the reader really should look into how the language of Austen’s time was used. There are also conflicts between Elizabeth and another character named Fitzwilliam Darcy Esquire, better known as Mr. Darcy, which develops into a common trope known today as enemies to lovers. However, I felt that this development was important, especially during Austen’s time, because it is developed through both irony and wit, something that was not very common back then, and she also uses a female character as the protagonist, while making her strong, intelligent, and emotional, defying the gender roles back then. I also enjoyed how the entire novel felt like a sappy romance drama, and I also may be heavily (I am) biased about my opinion of this novel because this was actually the first TRUE classic I had read in my entire life. Overall, I’ve been trying to get into Austen’s other novels (ex. Emma, Northanger Abbey, etc.), so perhaps you’ll see my review of it sometime in the future."
What made you interested in reading this book? "I had to read P&P for school when I was in 7th grade (so around 3 years ago because it was in the beginning of the year), and thought it was enjoyable to a degree, so this book actually launched me into my classics era."
What does this book remind you of? "I loved the movie from 2005, but it hasn't really reminded me of anything else (unless it comes to me later, and in that case, oh well)."
Who would enjoy reading this book? "Those who enjoy enemies to lovers, romance lovers, and those who are familiar with Austen's style and her era of writing."
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To Kill a Mockingbird
by Harper Lee
Book Reviewed by Adrija
"Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is a timeless classic that delves into themes of morality, justice, and human empathy. Set in the racially segregated American South during the 1930s, the novel is narrated through the eyes of Scout Finch, a young girl growing up in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama. The story follows her father, Atticus Finch, as he defends Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of assaulting a white woman. Alongside this central narrative, Scout and her brother, Jem, grapple with their own coming-of-age experiences, often centered around their reclusive neighbor, Boo Radley. What makes this book extraordinary is Lee’s ability to tackle profound social issues through the innocent and curious perspective of a child. The writing is evocative and deeply emotional, blending moments of humor and warmth with the weight of its serious themes. The characters feel incredibly real, particularly Atticus Finch, who remains one of literature’s most enduring symbols of integrity and courage. Reading this book left me reflective and moved. Lee’s exploration of prejudice and moral complexity is as relevant today as it was when the book was first published. The pacing is steady, and while some may find the buildup slow, the payoff in terms of emotional depth and resonance is immense. To Kill a Mockingbird is a book for anyone who values stories that challenge societal norms and provoke meaningful reflection. It is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction, courtroom dramas, or anyone seeking a profound exploration of human nature. This book not only entertains but also educates, making it a masterpiece that continues to stand the test of time."
What made you interested in reading this book? "I was interested in reading To Kill a Mockingbird because of its reputation as a literary classic that addresses critical issues of justice and morality. I first came across the book as part of a school reading list, where it was highly recommended by teachers and peers alike. Its significance in American literature and the universal acclaim it has received made me eager to explore its themes and timeless lessons."
What does this book remind you of? "To Kill a Mockingbird reminds me of The Help by Kathryn Stockett, as both books explore racial inequality and moral courage in the American South through deeply personal narratives. It also evokes the courtroom drama of the film 12 Angry Men, which similarly examines justice and prejudice in a tense and emotionally charged setting. The book's focus on a child’s perspective of complex social issues parallels The Diary of Anne Frank, offering profound insights through youthful eyes. Both Lee’s novel and these works challenge readers to reflect on empathy, humanity, and the importance of standing up for what is right."
Who would enjoy reading this book? "To Kill a Mockingbird would appeal to readers who enjoy thought-provoking stories about social justice and those interested in exploring themes of morality, racism, and empathy. It’s perfect for fans of coming-of-age tales and historical fiction that tackle difficult societal issues. If you appreciate complex characters and narratives that challenge societal norms, this book will resonate deeply with you."
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War and Peace
by Leo Tolstoy
Book Reviewed by Abby
"War and Peace, written by Leo Tolstoy between 1863 to 1868 and originally published in 1867, is an excruciatingly long tale about the invasion of Russia by Napoleon in 1812 and follows several Russian families and their own social troubles. The three main families are the Rostovs, the Bolkonskys, and the Bezukhovs, each of which have their main character, which are Count Nikolai Ilyich Rostov, Prince Andrei Nikolayevich Bolkonsky, and Pierre Bezukhov, respectively. There are two main things that were especially daunting to me and most likely many other readers: first, the original language, and second, the length and division of the novel itself. So, for the first point, the original language of War and Peace is Russian, if you couldn’t already tell. Since Russian is a non-Latin based script (which is what English is derived from) since it’s based off of Cyrillic script, this causes translation problems. For example, there could be a “hidden” meaning beyond the literal translation of something in Russian, which causes difficulty for readers to understand, especially if they have little to no knowledge of the Russian language. This same rule applies to other languages with scripts that are not Latin, such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, Ukrainian, Arabic, Greek, and many more, but you get the picture. For the second point, War and Peace is divided into 4 volumes, which are divided into 3-5 parts, which are divided into their respective chapters (usually about 20-25 chapters which are each 5-10 pages). This is honestly an insane but smart way to divide such a huge novel, but for me, I just set specific numbers of chapters that I wanted to read per day, which helped a LOT. Overall, I found the novel’s writing style (see extra notes for my translation) to be somewhat difficult to understand, but when you get the hang of common phrases used, it really is an enjoyable story that I think everyone should at least experience a fraction of once in their lifetime. Thank you for reading my rambling! The translation I read was by Anthony Briggs, though I've heard that the one by Rosemary Edmonds is quite good, alongside the one by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, whom I read the majority of my Dostoevsky translations from."
What made you interested in reading this book? "War and Peace is known to be notoriously difficult and extremely long, especially for those who don't read classics on the daily. So, I decided I wanted to see if I could tackle the challenge, and read the entire brick of a novel from Dec 2023 to Jan 2024."
Who would enjoy reading this book? "Readers who are able to digest Russian literature and its common tropes, as well as readers who are willing to do research on Napoleon and his history because the majority of the novel is centered around real history and references real events many many many times."
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Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
by Grace Lin
Book Reviewed by Abby
"Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, written and illustrated by Grace Lin and published in 2009, tells a story about a ten-year-old girl, Minli, living in the Valley of Fruitless Mountain, which is where she and her poor family work endless hours in the field to earn little to nothing. One night, Minli hears her father talk about a theoretical tale that involves a mysterious man named the Old Man of the Moon, who supposedly knows the answers to every question. She then decides to set out on her own quest to try and find the Old Man of the Moon and save her family’s poor fortune. On the way, she meets several mystical creatures, such as a talking fish, a powerful king, talking lions, twins with a magical medicinal tea, a dangerous tiger, and even a dragon who is unable to fly! I have read this novel probably around twenty times from when I was around 8 till I was maybe 12, that’s how much this novel has truly resonated with me. I can legitimately tell someone the entire plot right now if they asked, despite not having read it since 2021-2022. The length of the novel is fantastic and at a perfect ratio of being a lot of content but not too much to digest, as it is 278 pages. There are also some supplemental pages at the very end of the novel that detail how Lin came up with the novel, her key inspirations, and how she was able to use real life buildings and nature to be a part of her novel. I think that the novel has lots of important lessons that can still apply to many issues today, and I truly think that this is one of my favorite youth novels because of how accessible it is through Lin’s choice of words and phrasing, as well as how exciting the novel is in general, because it really does keep you on your toes in every single chapter!"
What made you interested in reading this book? "I honestly have no idea how I originally came across the book, my parents bought it for me at some point but I have zero clue as to if it was for a birthday, holiday, etc."
What does this book remind you of? "This novel truly is one of a kind, but its style of writing reminds me heavily of another novel with a similar theme of Chinese literature and concepts, Bronze and Sunflower, which was written by Cao Wenxuan and was published in 2005. Perhaps I'll do a review on that one next month..."
Who would enjoy reading this book? "Readers who enjoy magic and mythical creatures, suspense and exciting plots, easy to understand writing, and finally, those who enjoy Chinese themes within literature and are willing to learn a Chinese term or two!"
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Howl's Moving Castle
by Diana Wynne Jones
Book Reviewed by Abby
"Howl’s Moving Castle was written by Diana Wynne Jones, first published in April 1986, and received an award winning Studio Ghibli adaptation in 2004. It tells a simple yet compelling tale of a girl named Sophie Hatter and her struggles while combating the curses of a witch and becoming a cleaning lady for the notorious wizard Howl Pendragon. This wizard has taken on a variety of names, such as Wizard Jenkins, Wizard Howl, or Howell Jenkins, and he owns a large home that quite literally is, as the name suggests, a moving castle. However, it is extremely dirty, leading Sophie to become his cleaning lady while discovering more fantastical feats about him. Howl also has taken in a fire demon named Calcifer, who represents his heart and also helps operate the castle to move around physically, and within his castle of sorts, he also has a turning dial that can change the destination / location of the castle at any given moment. Overall, I found this novel to be very endearing and just the perfect length of around 450 pages for my edition (the one with the cover art from 2008 by John Rocco). I also thought that the way that Jones writes and the terms and phrasing she utilizes is lighthearted and extremely easy to understand! This book is genuinely one of my favorites, and I love being able to spot certain details that had been adapted into the Studio Ghibli film, as well as being able to spot what details had been skipped by the film, making it almost like there are “extras” to the wonderful story. If you enjoyed this book, read the rest of the trilogy! The second book is Castle in the Air and the third book is House of Many Ways."
What made you interested in this book? "Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli and their adaptation of this novel is one of my all time favorite movies, so I decided to finally read the original alongside the other two books in the trilogy."
What does this book remind you of? "As noted, there is an adaptation of this novel by Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli, which is a fantastic film with absolutely stunning animation. I also think that this book is a little like Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen because it has both the element of romance with a trope of enemies to lovers, as well as the overall story being much more mild and having real elements of love compared to the majority of the popular books going around today."
Who would enjoy reading this book? "People who enjoy a light-hearted romance with likeable characters, those who enjoy a bit of historical fiction tied to romance, and those who have watched the Studio Ghibli adaptation and thoroughly enjoyed it."
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The Magic Misfits
by Neil Patrick Harris
Book Reviewed by Matina
"Carter Locke is an orphan whose wits and tricks with magic have helped him survive life on the run. When he one day escapes from his treacherous uncle and wakes up in the town of Mineral Wells, life begins to offer him a spark of hope. He meets likeminded people, like a bubble escape artist (Leila Vernon), a violin prodigy that can make his instrument float (Theo Stein-Meyer), Ridley Larsen, transformationist extraordinaire, and the ever so elusive magic shop owner Mr. Vernon. He offers him a safe haven from his troubles and allows his talent for magic tricks to flourish. But this is all soiled by the B.B Bosso, a crook with a rigged carnival and even more malicious crew who offers him a spot in his wretched world of funtime horrors. As Carter grapples this decision and attempts to take down the man with his friends, secrets are told, friendships are worn, and Carter finds a whole new world for himself. The book is truly an enjoyable experience through and through."
What does this book remind you of? "It reminds me of the book Upside Down Magic, as it shows outcasts using magical skills for fun."
Who would enjoy reading this book? "Those who enjoy found family will like this book!"
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The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell
by Chris Colfer
Book Reviewed by Matina
"Alex and Conner Bailey are twins who could not be more different. Alex is a straight-A student, whose room is always clean and is a reliable individual. Conner, on the other hand, is barely passing his classes and couldn't be counted on to be neat if his life depended on it. But they are bound by one thing: their shared love for fairy tales. The fictional fables that were told to them when they were younger by their grandmother and late father inspire the two in all that they do, providing hope in the darkest of times. On their twelfth birthday, their grandmother hands them a book of fairytales, the same volume which she had used in her retellings all those years ago. It is no ordinary book however, because when it begins to glow and make strange noises upon opening, Alex falls into the book, with Conner following her shortly after. They emerge in the fairy tale world, where all of the characters they have grown to admire are real! Upon encountering a frog-man (Froggy), they learn that the only way to return to their world is to collect all eight items necessary for the Wishing Spell, which seems to be a legend, but their journey will prove otherwise. And so begins the tale of these two twins, gathering all the objects to get home while meeting various characters from fairy tales, such as Goldilocks, Red Riding Hood, and most frightening of all, The Evil Queen. The book is written in a style that all ages will be able to enjoy, despite the book's length being 438 pages. You're immediately hooked by the promise and possibilities made available with the story's format, and the author does that well with the five installments that follow. It's a great read for any age and will make you love fairy tales again."
What does this book remind you of? "Fairest of All (Villains series) by Serena Valentino and The Bookwanderers by Anna James. The first is about the origins of the Evil Queen, which is also done in the Land Of Stories sequel. The latter is about living through books that one has read, which is done in this tale."
Who would enjoy reading this book? "Somebody who has read Percy Jackson or The Magic Misfits would find this book enjoyable."
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The Night Circus
by Erin Morgenstern
Book Reviewed by Adrija
"Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus is a spellbinding tale set in a world of magic and mystery. The story revolves around Le Cirque des Rêves, a fantastical circus that arrives without warning and operates only at night. Within its black-and-white striped tents lies a competition between two magicians, Celia Bowen and Marco Alisdair, who have been bound since childhood to showcase their magical prowess. The narrative unfolds across different timelines and perspectives, weaving a rich tapestry of enchanting characters, including the dreamers who visit the circus and the performers who bring it to life. From the first page, Morgenstern’s lush and immersive prose drew me into the mesmerizing world of the circus. The descriptive imagery made me feel as though I could smell the caramel popcorn and hear the faint strains of a violin. The book evoked a sense of wonder and yearning, yet its layered themes of love, rivalry, and sacrifice left me reflecting deeply on its implications. While the pacing is deliberate, it complements the dreamlike quality of the story. Morgenstern's writing style, with its poetic cadence and attention to detail, may not appeal to readers who prefer fast-moving plots. However, for those who enjoy savoring beautifully crafted sentences and exploring richly imagined settings, this novel is a treasure. At times, I wished for more development of certain characters, but the novel’s atmosphere and intricate narrative structure more than compensated for this. The Night Circus is an unforgettable read that feels like stepping into a dream. It’s a book that lingers in your mind long after you’ve closed the final page. If you enjoy stories that blend magic, romance, and a touch of melancholy, this book is for you."
What made you interested in reading this book? "I was drawn to The Night Circus because of its reputation for being a beautifully atmospheric and immersive novel. I first heard about it through glowing recommendations from friends and book communities, where it was praised for its lyrical writing and unique premise of a magical competition set within a mysterious circus. The idea of a story blending romance, rivalry, and wonder in such a vivid setting immediately captivated me."
What does this book remind you of? "The Night Circus reminds me of The Prestige, a film by Christopher Nolan, with its themes of rivalry, illusion, and sacrifice. It also evokes the magical world-building of books like Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, though it has a more mature and poetic tone. The atmosphere of the circus, with its whimsical yet dark undertones, feels similar to the aesthetic of the video game Bioshock Infinite, which blends mystery, intricate storytelling, and striking visuals. Both the novel and these media create immersive worlds that blur the line between fantasy and reality, leaving a lasting impression."
Who would enjoy reading this book? "Someone who enjoys stories with magic, intricate world-building, and a touch of romance would love The Night Circus. Fans of books like The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern or Caraval by Stephanie Garber, which also explore enchanting, mysterious settings, would find this book captivating. It’s perfect for readers who appreciate lyrical prose, atmospheric storytelling, and a slow-burn plot with layers of intrigue and emotion."
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She Who Became the Sun
by Shelley Parker-Chan
Book Reviewed by Bella
"In 1345, in Mongol-ruled China, a girl learns she is destined to be nothing, while her brother is destined to be the greatest. When her brother dies in early childhood, the girl escapes to a monastery under her brother's name, Zhu Chongba. Zhu. propelled by her will to survive, decides that her brother's fate will become her own, she must become the greatest. Zhu realizes she must do whatever it takes to keep her fate hidden. She assumes the role of an unassuming monk while sharpening her wits and preparing for whatever she may encounter. When Mongols destroy her sanctuary, Zhu seeks out an opportunity among the rebels, an opportunity that could allow her to fulfill her imminent destiny."
What made you interested in reading this book? "I read it for my book club!"
What does this book remind you of? "Reminds me a bit of Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao. They both have that great historical fantasy aspect with incredible world-building!"
Who would enjoy reading this book? "Readers who like historical fiction, and fantasy."
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They All Fall Down
by Roxanne St. Claire
Book Reviewed by Katie
"The main character in They All Fall Down is Kenzie and she was just voted the fifth hottest girl in school. The other nine girls on this list all start to die and in order of their rank. Kenzie has to discover what is going on and resolve it before it's her turn to die. This was a really fun read and I was able to read it quickly. There was also a love triangle and it really added to my enjoyment of the book! The writing style was typical for a young adult novel and the length was manageable. Overall, it was a fun book and didn't have the predictability that many YA novels have."
What does this book remind you of? "It reminded me of Pretty Little Liars because of how the girls get anonymous text messages after the girl at the top of the list gets killed. It also reminded me of A Good Girl's Guide To Murder."
Who would enjoy reading this book? "Readers who love murder mysteries."
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Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-GarciaBook Reviewed by Bella
"Mexican Gothic is a book set in 1950's Mexico. The book's heroine Noemí receives a frantic letter from her cousin begging for someone to save her from the gloom of her new marriage. Noemí heads to the High Place, far off in the Mexican countryside, where her cousin's new family resides. High Place isn't where someone like Noemí typically resides, she prefers the busyness of Mexico City, going to parties and flirting with a new suitor every night, whereas High Place is a haunting castle isolated from the small town located in the valley below it. She finds herself receiving a cold welcome from her in-laws, especially her cousin's husband, who is menacing in his own way and tries to convince Noemí there is nothing wrong with her cousin. The only person who doesn't seem to mind her is the family's youngest son, who holds knowledge of his family's dark past. As Noemí attempts to rescue her cousin, she finds herself diving deeper into the story of the house, and may soon find herself unable to leave."
What does this book remind you of? "Gives me a similar vibe as The City of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, they both have a nice eerie vibe to them."
Who would enjoy reading this book? "Readers who love the gothic style and an air of mystery."
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Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-GarciaBook Reviewed by Katie
"Mexican Gothic takes place in the Mexican countryside after the main character, Noemi, receives a disturbing letter from her cousin. The letter prompts Noemi's father to send Noemi to her cousin's house to check up on her. Noemi arrives at her cousin's house and things only get weirder from there as she uncovers a mystery within the house. There were some aspects of the book that I liked, such as the characters and vivid imagery, but I couldn't get over to slow place and boring setting. It was a decent sized book that felt soooooo much longer. The other members of my book club really loved it though so maybe I'm the outlier. While the concept and characters were interesting, I was bored up until the very end. The last couple chapters were so interesting and unveiled the entire mystery but the boring lead up didn't make it worth it."What does this book remind you of? "I can't think of any other books or movies that this reminds me of." Who would enjoy reading this book? "People who like history." |
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The Silent Patient
by Alex Michaelides
Book Reviewed by Katie
"The Silent Patient is about a woman who murders her husband and then refuses to talk after the murder. Her psychotherapist is determined to get her to talk and figure out why she killed her husband. The book ends with an insane plot twist that I never even considered would happen. I really really loved this book and the build up to the ending wasn't boring and didn't drag on. The book was really popular on TikTok in 2020 (or 2021 or something) and that's when I first heard about it - I totally understand the hype now! The concept was also super interesting and original which is hard to find since the rise in popularity of murder mystery novels. I couldn't stop reading it and just loved it so much!"
What did this book remind you of? "This reminded me of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder because of the murder mystery/thriller theme."
Who would enjoy reading this book? "True crime lovers."
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Wish
by Barbara O'Connor
Book Reviewed by Matina
"Charlie Reese has been making the same wish her entire life. At eleven years old and bitter from the world around her, she's starting to believe that it won't come true. Especially now that she has been forced to live with her aunt and uncle in the Blue Ridge mountains. But when she sees a scrappy dog one day, life turns around for her. It's a simple premise that turns into something truly heartwarming to read. You witness Charlie bond with her new family, make a friend, and discover the true story of her dog and their adventures together. The author's writing style changes from warm and inviting to harsh and tense in matters of a second. It suits the genre, as Charlie is a girl whose life has been ups and downs, and mostly downs. But in the end, you find yourself wishing you were a part of the family she discovers. The conclusion made me audibly say, 'Awww!'"
What does this book remind you of? "I am reminded of One For The Murphys, Fish In A Tree, and Counting By 7s. They are all books that deal with the sadness of growing up but also the happiness of finding those that love you."
Who would enjoy reading this book? "Those who like a story with an animal as one of the main drivers of the plot would like this book."
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The Perks of Being a Wallflower
by Stephen Chbosky
Book Reviewed by Matina
"Charlie is a 15 year old boy who has just begun high school. He has no friends, but does pretty well in school. But all that changes when he meets two people: Sam and Patrick. Patrick is a reckless, energetic guy whose flamboyant nature differs from Charlie's mild-mannered composure. Sam is a kind person who Charlie is immediately drawn to, and is the girl he falls in love with. After taking Charlie under their wing, the two introduce him to the experiences some high schoolers have: ones of romantic endeavors, drugs, alcohol, and the emotional roller coaster of being a teenager. The epistolary format of the book allows a direct address from Charlie to the reader. It is that very aspect of the book that lets you be fully immersed in the melancholic and triumphant tales told. This young adult novel, although fictional, has many elements adolescents can relate to. The 20th anniversary edition has a new letter from Charlie sent to you twenty years after the book's canon, and does a very nice job of wrapping up the entire narrative."
What made you interested in reading this book? "It is a classic book that is very often praised, so I considered checking it out!"
What does this book remind you of? "It reminds me of Catcher In The Rye, but there are many books mentioned in this novel, including: The Fountainhead, This Side of Paradise, Naked Lunch, and The Stranger."
Who would enjoy reading this book? "A reader who enjoys novels about coming of age will like this book."
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Let It Snow
by John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle
Book Reviewed by Katie
"Let It Snow is broken up into three parts and each part was written by a different author. They all take place in a snowy small town and are all romances. The first two parts (Maureen Johnson and John Green) were super good but I didn't really love the last part. Maureen Johnson's section (first) was my favorite and I could reread it over and over and still love it! Her section was super cute and it was about a boy who lived in the small town and a girl whose train got stuck and she needed a place to stay. The second part was a friends-to-lovers that was also pretty cute but the characters kept making not realistic decisions. The third part was my least favorite and it was about a girl having a self-realization that she is a bad person and blah blah blah... It felt like it went on forever and if it wasn't the last part I definitely would have not finished this book."
What made you interested in reading this book? "This was the only John Green book that I hadn't read yet."
What does this book remind you of? "It reminds me of Today, Tonight, Tomorrow because of how the duration of the whole book was only a day (or a couple) and it was centered around romance."
Who would enjoy reading this book? "Someone who wants to read a cute romance novel over Christmas break!"
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Blue Period, Vol. 1
by Tsubasa Yamaguchi
Manga Reviewed by Abby
"Blue Period, a manga written and illustrated by Tsubasa Yamaguchi, is an ongoing manga (most recent volume published August 2024) that has been running since 2017. It tells the story of a student named Yatora Yaguchi, who excels well in school and is relatively popular, but silently grapples with both emptiness and frustration. After he goes out one night with his friends, who consistently smoke, drink, etc, he sees the morning dawn of Shibuya in a very specific shade of blue. This inspires him to join an art class, something he used to view as useless, but then ends up joining his high school’s art club and moves on to attend an art university that has an excruciatingly low acceptance rate. Overall, I found that the manga’s art style is one of the most unique I’ve seen, as it’s kind of a mix between realism and cartoon-ish drawings, obviously due to the theme of the manga being art-related. I also enjoyed how the manga wasn’t just about art and some kid frolicking around his school while also struggling at home, it was also about the complexity of life, coping mechanisms, and sonder. I would definitely recommend this manga to so many people, especially those who are artists, because I feel like the element of “being talented enough but having no passion” AND vice versa (this is key) is especially prevalent throughout the entire series, which just makes us artists feel seen in a way. Note that there are currently 15 volumes, the latest being published in August of 2024, and there is an anime adaptation that is currently available on Netflix as of January of 2025."
What made you interested in reading this manga? "If I'm being completely honest, I saw it on Netflix when it first released in 2021 and saw that it was about art, and decided to give it a try."
What does this manga remind you of? "Obviously, the anime adaptation, which was released in 2021, but it also reminds me of SK8 the Infinity (Skate the Infinity) which is an anime released in 2022 because it has the same themes/motifs of "so much passion, yet not enough talent" AS WELL AS IT'S VICE VERSA!! I also felt like both Reki from SK8 and Yaguchi from Blue Period both have that same common and modern tone of feeling like you have done so much to teach others, and yet they are able to excel better than you will ever be."
Who would enjoy reading this manga? "Readers who enjoy art, art history, the creation of art, and coming of age stories."
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New Hanover County Library
201 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
910-798-6301www.nhclibrary.org |
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