Book Reviews by Teens, for Teens! PDF Free Download
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Book Reviews by Teens, for Teens!
January 2025
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Fiction
Classics
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)."
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."
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."
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."
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."
Fantasy
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!"
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."
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!"
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."
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."
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."
Horror/Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
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."
Mexican Gothic
by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Book 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."
Mexican Gothic
by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Book 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."
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."
Realistic Fiction
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."
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."
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!"
Graphic Novels & Manga
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."
Read last month's Teen Book Reviews here!
New Hanover County Library
201 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
910-798-6301
