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Dangerous Games by Margaret MacMillan (review by Ravi B. ’14)

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Dangerous Games: The Uses and Abuses of HistoryDangerous Games: The Uses and Abuses of History by Margaret MacMillan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In Dangerous Games, Margaret MacMillan presents history as an amalgamation of truth and manipulations. Although history is hardly ever accurate, it commands tremendous respect, allowing it to be a great tool of destruction and creation. The Chinese Communist Party, which once attempted to expunge a large amount of history, now embraces and celebrates Confucianism and the history of the Chinese Empire in order to equate patriotism with socialism. Additionally, history serves as a tremendous and often calamitous guide to decision making, in which the accuracy of the analogies is critical. Anthony Eden, a former British prime minister, compared Egyptian president Nasser to Hitler to justify rejection of the former’s demands. However, Hitler and Nasser were nothing alike. Nasser wanted a loan from the United States to build the Aswan Dam, whereas Hitler was looking to conquer his neighbors. MacMillan excites and informs the reader without losing sight of her argument. Anyone who enjoys learning about history and its role will love Dangerous Games. – Ravi B. ‘14

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Little Brother by Cory Doctorow (review by Naomi M. ’16)

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Little Brother (Little Brother, #1)Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Terrorists have attacked San Francisco. The Department of Homeland Security takes a high school computer genius, Marcus, and his friends without any explanation to be brutally interrogated. Once released, Marcus finds that the government has turned his beloved city into a police state. Everyone is a potential threat. In order to bring down the paranoid authorities, he must figure out a way to bring the truth about the DHS to light. Armed with only his computer, Marcus sets a rebellion in motion larger than he could have dreamed possible. Reminiscent of George Orwell’s 1984, Little Brother is a novel of the future – where fighting is done through technology and anyone can change the world. Lovers of dystopian fiction, this is the one for you. – Naomi M. ‘16

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Specials by Scott Westerfeld (review by Stephanie S. ’17)

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Specials (Uglies, #3)Specials by Scott Westerfeld
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Specials is the third book in the Uglies series and fails to disappoint. Tally has recently been turned into a Special. Special Circumstances is the frighteningly beautiful authority of the region. Even though Tally has had many encounters with the Specials, she never dreamed of being one. As a Special, she feels almost nothing: No pain, no emotion. Everything is unnaturally clear. Everyone in the authority can detect a lie in a matter of seconds. Although Tally thinks she is content with her newest lifestyle and group, the Cutters, she often feels a pang inside of her, missing and remembering her rebel days. Later, the Specials find the New Smoke – a place where the Uglies hide. Orders are given for the Cutters to destroy this sanctuary. Tally again needs to choose between listening to the small voice inside of her or ignore it and carry out orders. Tally’s decision is unexpected and makes this a superb sci-fi read. – Stephanie S. ‘17

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Pretties by Scott Westerfeld (review by Stephanie S. ’17)

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Pretties (Uglies, #2)Pretties by Scott Westerfeld
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In Scott Westerfeld’s Pretties, Tally’s dream has finally come true, and she is now a stunning Pretty. All of her imperfections have been fixed and she has rejoined her old friends in New Pretty Town. Tally has a loyal boyfriend, an exciting group of friends, and an invitation to all the hottest parties — everything she ever hoped of having. Her fun suddenly stops when she receives a letter from herself, which was written back when she was an Ugly. She slowly starts to remember why she had doubts about life as a Pretty, and is forced to decide: Dismiss the truth, or fight the city’s authorities. Her choice could possibly be deadly. Pretties is must-read. – Stephanie S. ‘17

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On Michael Jackson by Margo Jefferson (review by Eddie S. ’17)

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On Michael JacksonOn Michael Jackson by Margo Jefferson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Margo Jefferson’s On Michael Jackson is a cultural analysis of the King of Pop, ultimately providing readers with the reason behind his bizarre actions that eventually acquire the pop star the infamous nickname of “Wacko Jacko.” While the first half primarily explores his childhood, the latter focuses on the notorious 2005 trial and his transformation from a reigning pop star to an erratic recluse. Additionally, Jefferson cleverly scatters a few of her unique interpretations of the pop star’s visually arresting performances and unforgettable music videos throughout. In the beginning, Jefferson makes known the cruelty and pain of Jackson’s hollow childhood despite the glamour of singing lead in the Jackson 5. Interestingly enough, the gem of the book lies in the transformation and trial, as it suggests the King of Pop’s methods. Although the book is well written, in the end, I found it incredibly disturbing. Jefferson’s last few pages leave us utterly startled, speechless, and disillusioned. Frankly, after being exposed to this monstrosity, I genuinely wish I would have watched Jackson’s lighthearted American Bandstand performance of “Abc” with his brothers and not gone beyond that. – Eddie S. ‘17

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The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain (review by Eddie S. ’17)

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The Postman Always Rings TwiceThe Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

James M. Cain’s harrowing novel, The Postman Always Rings Twice, is narrated Frank Chamber. Upon arriving at a California diner, Frank instantly becomes attracted to Cora Papadakis, the woman who runs the restaurant with her husband. After developing mutual feelings for each other, the two lovers attempt to murder Mr. Papadakis, which ultimately leads to unexpected consequences. In essence, the entire book was a thrilling escapade, and I enjoyed it. Nevertheless, I found the characters to be exceedingly quixotic and the plot to be rather hectic. Additionally, without understanding the fundamentals of criminal justice, a few important parts of the novel were incomprehensible. Therefore, I would definitely recommend The Postman Always Rings Twice to those who take interest in fast-paced fiction and crime; otherwise, this book will leave you feeling discombobulated. – Eddie S. ‘17

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Poseur by Rachel Maude (review by Cynthia H. ’16)

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Poseur (Poseur, #1)Poseur by Rachel Maude
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When shy newcomer Janie Farrish applies to create her own Costume Design at the exclusive private high school Winston Prep, she’s grouped with haughty Francophile Charlotte Beverwil, snarky diva Melissa Moon, and perfect hippie princess Petra Greene. The four girls must start their own designer fashion label, but they each have a completely different idea of how to run their new company. The girls’ clashing visions and individual problems come to a head at their label-naming party. The diverse cast of main and supporting characters, droll humor, and pictures from Janie’s sketchbook make Poseur a light yet gripping read. – Cynthia H. ‘16

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Everlost by Neal Shusterman (review by Kai A. ’17)

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Everlost (Skinjacker, #1)Everlost by Neal Shusterman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Those who don’t reach the light at the end of the tunnel wind up in the world between the living and dead: Everlost. Though it is possible to join the light, Mary Hightower wants everybody, living or half-dead, to spend eternity in Everlost, forever repeating the same actions, and she will destroy all of the living to accomplish this. It is up to a group of friends to save both worlds. Their amazing talents display Shusterman’s ingenuity and creativity, but they also intrigue the reader, encouraging them to ponder what comes after life. Shusterman incorporates common superstition with the phenomena of his world to introduce interactions between the world of the living and dead, the concepts which make this first in a trilogy so interesting. Additionally, the characters have a deep, unique personalities that, combined, drive the plot to its satisfying conclusion. All readers, from the philosophical to the adventurous, will be drawn into this stunning tale of determination, sacrifice, wit, love, and deception. – Kai A. ‘17

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Watership Down by Richard Adams (review by Stanley Z. ’16)

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Watership DownWatership Down by Richard Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Watership Down by Richard Adams is about rabbits who embark on a venture to secure a new burrow after a young rabbit named Fiver prophesizes that their old one will be soon decimated. However, Fiver is unable to convince the chief, so he sets off with a small group of rabbits for a new home. The group endures cats and dogs which threaten the group. Fiver’s vision turns out to be correct, and many rabbits in the old burrow are massacred by humans. Watership Downis a little like The Aeneid except all the human characters are represented as rabbits. Recommended to anyone who enjoys adventure novels that are well-paced and fun to read. – Stanley Z. ‘16

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Identical by Ellen Hopkins (review by Anushka D. ’15)

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IdenticalIdentical by Ellen Hopkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When a car accident shatters the Gardella family, twins Kaeleigh and Raeanne struggle to move on with their lives. While Kaeleigh suffers sexual abuse from their father, Raeanne drowns herself in drugs, sex, and alcohol. Soon the façade of the perfect family can no longer hold, and both girls find that they must save each other from the abuse and dysfunction. Ellen Hopkins has composed yet another riveting tale full of raw emotions and crude reality. Her writing style effectively portrays the darkness and depression that lurks underneath the seemingly happy Gardella family. Hopkins constantly challenges readers throughout the story, making them just so uncomfortable that they are forced to ponder the reality mixed in to the fiction. Captivating readers throughout and ending with a tragic plot twist, Identical is a provocative must-read. – Anushka D. ‘15

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