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

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The Martian ChroniclesThe 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)

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WatchmenWatchmen 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)

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DraculaDracula 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)

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The Perks of Being a WallflowerThe 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)

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InvisibilityInvisibility 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)

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The Color of Magic (Discworld, #1)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)

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BoneBone 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)

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Kingdom of the Wicked (Skulduggery Pleasant, #7)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)

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MiddlesexMiddlesex 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)

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CamilleCamille 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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