Adrianna

2 of 2 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 3 stars

“This is one of the largest books I have read in a long time. When I first started reading, the sheer weight and length of the book intimidated me. However, Follett's ability to create a mystery from the very first pages of the book held me captivated. Set in southern England between the years 1123–1174, this historical fiction novel not only explores the period of anarchy between the reign of King Henry I and King Henry II but the every day lives of the citizens (from a range of social classes). All characters were engaging, my two favorites being Aliena and Prior Philip. Most of the villains had redeeming qualities about them, which made them less one dimensional. My main problems with the novel, and why I rated it three stars instead of five, were the length, the villain William, and the ending. Because it was such a long book, there were a lot of high points and low points. As a reader, I felt discouraged that this up/down trend had no breaking point. When the "heroes" gained ground, their hopes and triumphs were quickly dashed by the "villains" of the book. Part of me wonders if Follett was trying to mimic real life, which can throw as many high and low moments at you as this book. However, some of the historical knowledge of cathedrals seemed unnecessary too. Second, William was very one-dimensional. Follett tried to get the reader to relate to him, but I despised him throughout the book, unlike Waleran and Remiguis. Finally, the ending was anti-climatic. After such a rollar coaster of a book, I expected more at the end. I was sorely disappointed by the outcome and felt like the beginning did more justice to the book than the conclusion. One other point that I wish was addressed and developed earlier in the book was the character of Archbishop Thomas Becket. He was a powerful force at the end of the novel, and I wanted to learn more about him earlier on. Despite its flaws, I am glad I read this book. It has inspired me to do some historical research during my free time about some of the people and events in the book.”

Adrianna wrote this review Friday, April 9, 2010. ( reply | view 1 replies | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“This book has many elements that readers of all ages would enjoy in a good, light-hearted fantasy novel. Piers Anthony creates an unique world called Xanth that has magic galore such as centaurs, magicians, and sorcerers. This is barely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the magical elements that exist in Xanth. The characters are engaging, and since this is the first book in a long series, readers are sure to learn more about everyone, even the supporting characters, in later novels. However, the overwhelming quality that stands out for every reader is Anthony's humor. All aspects of the book are intertwined with sarcastic, witty, and even pun humor. Some of the humor can be overwhelming or a bit insulting, especially the jokes about male and female relationships, but overall the book is an enjoyable and quick read.

There is more to A Spell for Chameleon than meets the eye. The characters deal with philosophical issues that cause the reader to reflect on her or his own life. Some ideas that the protagonist grapple with throughout the course of the book include: 1) Appearances and how they can deceive us 2) How appealing a life of illusion really is 3) What does good versus evil really mean 4)Do evil creatures have souls? 5)The value of friendship and loyalty 6) And, of course, the enduing power of love. Add magic to the mix, and you have one dynamite book.

If you enjoyed this first glimpse of the "Magic of Xanth," I recommend reading more of the series because it only gets better. Anthony is a creative genius as he continually develops Xanth and the lives of his characters. This is not the last you will see of Bink, Chameleon, Trent, and Iris.”

Adrianna wrote this review Friday, April 9, 2010. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Flowers for Algernon is about a mentally challenged 32 year old man named Charlie Gordon and a mouse named Algernon. Charlie is chosen by a team of scientists to undergo an experimental surgery that will boost his intelligence. The book is written in a journal/progress report style told through Charlie's perspective. Because of this style, the story is very one-sided and the action is limited and slow at times. The scientific information in the book is not overwhelming and is suitable for any audience. Some parts are overly dramatic and feel as if it is written for a teen rather than an adult audience. Overall, this book causes the reader to examine all types of people and how they are treated in society. This book was especially moving for me because I have a mentally-challenged brother with Down Syndrome. This book gave me a small glimpse into what his world might look like. I hope Flowers for Algernon inspires people to change the way they treat others. Being different does not mean weird, mean, bad, etc. Differences make humanity beautiful, and more people should embrace them rather than shy away from them”

Adrianna wrote this review Friday, April 9, 2010. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“This is a story about a boy and his dragon, which takes place in a fantasy time period and setting. Jakkin Stewart lives in slavery with other men and women (they are known as bonders). The only way to get free from bond is to become a master, not only a master of humans but of dragons. The book explores Jakkin's journey into manhood as well as a friendship with a dragon hatchling. The book starts a little slow, but after the first three chapters Jakkin faces hardship after hardship, from stealing an egg to fighting evil drakks. There is even a love interest, a mysterious girl named Akki. Overall, it is a good read for a young adult between the ages of eight and fourteen. Despite being an adult, I enjoyed reading this book. However, I found myself wishing the author had done more with the themes and issues that arose during my reading, such as slavery (the idea of a master and a slave), the treatment of the dragons (both in the pits, the training, and the horrible culling), and finally the achievement of a dream (was it really everything you wanted?). However, since this is the first book of a trilogy, I think Yolen will address the unanswered questions in the later books. Most of my disappointments about Dragon's Blood, though, relate to the way Yolen translated some of the themes for a young person's mindset. Because of this, many of the issues felt diluted or too easily solved.”

Adrianna wrote this review Friday, April 9, 2010. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“This is my favorite novel written by Amanda Quick. Clare, the heroine, creates perfume. She marries Gareth, the Hellhound of Wyckmere, and the two get caught up in an evil plot to steal an alchemist's book. One aspect that brings this tale to life is the setting, the isle of desire. It's a beautiful place and the descriptions leave me wondering if Clare and Gareth live in the garden of Eden. My favorite part of the book, though, is Clare's strong, independent nature. Quick is able to create a heroine any woman can admire in a time period where women were valued for the number of male heirs they bore. Watching both Clare and Gareth develop as a couple is a truly magical experience.”

Adrianna wrote this review Friday, April 9, 2010. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Monkey High!, Vol. 1 is a Shojo Beat Manga (Japanese comic book) written for a teenage female audience between the ages of 16 and 18. This is the first in a series about high school students. It's written in the traditional Japanese manga style, which reads from right to left (often referred to by non-fans of the genre as "backwards"). If you've never read a manga before, the style can confuse and disorient you, but it's worth acclimating to. Since I've been a fan from a young age, this was a fairly quick and easy read.

The story is divided into the following chapters:

1st Monkey: Miss Contrary vs. Runt Monkey

2nd Monkey: Climbing Mountains Is Easier than Professing Your Love

3rd Monkey: Xmas Is More Romantic than a First Kiss?!
Postscript

The setting is a traditional Japanese high school with the main character Haruna Aizawa having recently transferred schools because of a political scandal involving her father. The story focuses on the budding relationship between Haruna and Masaru Yamashita (nicknamed Macharu, which means "monkey" in Japanese). The story is complicated because Haruna is a beautiful girl while Macharu is a cute but rather silly "monkey looking" boy (he has big monkey ears). Hence, Haruna has other boys interested in dating her including Atsu, the most popular boy in their school, and Nakazawa (a third year student from K Academy who happens to be Haruna's ex-boyfriend).

Haruna's character undergoes a transformation throughout the manga. At first, she considers herself "above" the students at her new school. She acts like a girl who is used to being popular. Because of all the attentions Atsu gives her, the girls at her new high school immediately ostracize her. It is through her friendship with Macharu that she is able to let her guard down and make friends. He teaches her about fun and laughter, attributes that have recently been missing from her life because of her problems at home.

Many of the issues that Haruna deals with are those that female teens face everyday when navigating the social drama at their own high schools. Haruna is a good role model for female readers because she teaches teens to be true to yourself first and let love gradually happen rather than forcing or rushing it.

As you read, there is one question that continuously nags at the forefront of your mind: Which boy will Haruna choose to date and what problems will the couple have to face?

Despite the seemingly inconsequential subject matter, there are deeper points highlighted in the introduction to the series. In the postscript the author explains how she created the main characters to be "opposites," two people who usually wouldn't date. Macharu is also a nontraditional Shojo Manga Hero because he is so comical, the same height as Haruna, and often acts "girly." Even his facial features are drawn to resemble Haruna's own wide-eyed, innocent stare. He isn't the "white knight" who's meant to whisk Haruna away from her everyday problems. He's a relatively typical boy trying to lose the identity of being the class clown, or in this case the class monkey. The two characters grow from each other as much as they give to each other.

The author also explains that many of the events in the book such as the Snow White play, the field trip, and even the Christmas chapter were inspired by her own life, whether it was from a time of her past when she was in high school or a current event.

The most fascinating part is that Haruna constantly makes comparisons that all high school students act like wild monkeys, always gossiping about her and Macharu or getting into their business. This is an interesting social commentary about high school hierarchies. At one point Macharu questions Haruna's opinions and they have an extensive conversation about her belief system:

"I'm just saying that everyone at school acts like a pack of wild monkeys."

"But...Then...Where does that leave you? Looking on from the top? Or are you just an outside observer? Where do you think you are?"

"How am I supposed to know! Who cares!" (31-32).

The conversation demonstrates that Haruna has no understanding of her identity or whether she socially fits in with her peers. She is often angry at Macharu for having such deep and serious moments with her. He forces her to examine her life from the inside out.

Of course a major factor to enjoying this book are the illustrations. I love anime and manga artwork. The way the characters' faces are depicted draws me into the drama and romance of the story. Shouko Akira is no exception and masterfully creates complex characters like Haruna and Macharu. The attention to details is vividly expressed in every stroke of the pencil.

Overall, the book has a similar feel as Peach Girl, Volume 1, another well-known manga, but Monkey High!, Vol. 1 is more playful. I loved it and recommend it to readers of all ages. For older members, it will have you recalling your formative high school years when you were just figuring out who you wanted to be. For high school students, it will give them a story they can relate to and have a bit of fun with. After all, high school shouldn't always be about the drama. ”

Adrianna wrote this review Friday, April 9, 2010. ( reply | permalink )