Review: The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars 
by John Green

Book Description:
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Review:

Wow.  

I have to be honest here and admit that I was afraid to read this book.  Though it's gotten rave reviews from just about anyone who has ever read it, I was terrified of how "sad" this book would be... I tend to shy away from books dealing with death, cancer, war, etc.  

Am I glad I read this book finally? YES.  It was amazing.  This book is going to be known as John Green's masterpiece someday.  This book deals with teens with cancer in the perfect way.  They are not children, they are not adults, they are real teenagers.  They play video games, they question life, they fall in love.  They egg cars, they meet their favorite author...they die.  

While this book deals with the gritty realism of terminal illness, not shying away from the horrific realization that everyone's time comes eventually, it also deals with the subject with the perfect balance of love and hope.  Even as I cried through parts of the book, when I turned the last page I was left smiling.  

A wonderful book that all older readers (including the adults in our lives!) should really read.  

Review: Bluefish

Bluefish
by Pat Schmatz

Book Description:

Travis is missing his old home in the country, and he's missing his old hound, Rosco. Now there's just the cramped place he shares with his well-meaning but alcoholic grandpa, a new school, and the dreaded routine of passing when he's called on to read out loud. But that's before Travis meets Mr. McQueen, who doesn't take "pass" for an answer--a rare teacher whose savvy persistence has Travis slowly unlocking a book on the natural world. And it's before Travis is noticed by Velveeta, a girl whose wry banter and colorful scarves belie some hard secrets of her own.

 

Review:

I was surprised, honestly, by how much I liked this book. It has such a "blah" title and the cover does nothing for it...so without being prodded, I might never have picked up this book.

Short and quirky, this was a good read. It has a heartwrenching feel that builds into a heartwarming feel that will stick with you after the book is done. Both Travis and Velveeta are characters that you just want to see succeed. Both come from families with some *issues,* but luckily they find one another and one great teacher.

This is a book that just feels honest and true to life. It was one that I rolled around in my brain for a few days after I'd finished listening to it. It is one that I think would actually interest more people than they might expect... 

Kissing the Pig

Yes. You did read that right. 

Want to know what Terri and I did at work today?  We kissed a pig!  @.@

Today was our Library's visit from Farmer Minor.  He loves to bring his potbellied pig, Daisy II, around to visit libraries...

Daisy II loves to hear pig stories.  So do his sisters, Lily-Pug and Dixie-Cup, the pugs.  Daisy II also loves to get pet and get hugs and sometimes, for very special people, Daisy II will share kisses!

As part of our summer reading program this year, Terri promised that if all the kids and teens in West Springfield read 4000 hours, she would kiss the pig.  Since we are almost there and will definitely have the 4000 hours by the end of next week, here is Terri keeping her promise!!

And, because it looked like it was fun, I decided to kiss the pig, too.

So, what exciting things did YOU do today? :P



Teen Review: The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green

Book Description:
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

Review:
I loved every single thing about this book! It made me cry, both because it was sad *and* because I got so angry in spots! I read the whole book in one day because I could not put it down!

It is a MUST READ!!

Reviewer: Deanna

Flippin' Pages March Meeting REMINDER!!!

Hey Guys!

Don't forget to join us here at the West Springfield Public Library for the February meeting of our teen book club, FLIPPIN' PAGES!!

If you're in grades 6-12, join us for a snack and tell us all about your favorite FANTASY books!

TUESDAY, MARCH 13th at 3:30 p.m.