teen book review blog https://library.escondido.org/teen-book-reviews.aspx http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification mojoPortal Blog Module en-US cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org (Cathy Janovitz) 120 cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org (Cathy Janovitz) cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org Cathy Janovitz no A Doll's House A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen · OverDrive: ebooks, audiobooks, and more  for libraries and schools

The story revolves around Nora Helmer, a seemingly content wife and mother, whose life takes a dramatic turn when her hidden secrets come to light. As the play unfolds, it delves into issues of gender roles, personal identity, and the constraints of societal expectations.

I admire its bold exploration of feminist themes, for they are well ahead of its time. The character of Nora is multi-dimensional, and her journey from a submissive wife to a woman seeking self-realization is quite compelling.

I’ll recommend it to readers interested in thought-provoking dramas that explore complex social issues. It’s also a good piece of classical literature if you’re a fan of that genre.

Anna, 16

Rating:  

smiley Find at the Library

]]>
https://library.escondido.org/a-dolls-house cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org https://library.escondido.org/a-dolls-house https://library.escondido.org/a-dolls-house Tue, 20 Feb 2024 22:20:00 GMT
The Way I Used to Be The way I used to be

A girl, Eden, is in love with her older brother’s best friend until he rapes her. She can only realize the endless flaws that she has in herself after that and decides to ignore them and buries her old self to create a new version of herself that can be everything that she wasn’t.

The Way I Used to Be is a difficult book to read at first because of how much the author describes the experiences. But because of it, it makes you long for more. You slowly learn to empathize with main character and you can really see how the author displays her trials and tribulations.

I think that if this subject is sensitive to you, you shouldn’t read it. But also, it may give you inspiration as in the end, the main character learns to face her fears and sees the people who support and love her.

Kailyn, 16

Rating:  

smiley Find at the Library

]]>
https://library.escondido.org/the-way-i-used-to-be cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org https://library.escondido.org/the-way-i-used-to-be https://library.escondido.org/the-way-i-used-to-be Thu, 15 Feb 2024 20:00:00 GMT
Pet Sematary Pet Sematary: A Novel: King, Stephen: 9781501156700: Amazon.com: Books

Pet Sematary is about tragedy and evil, and how the allure of 'something more' can overcome logic. A man named Louis Creed moves into a new home in Ludlow, Maine. The neighbors, an elderly couple, are nice, but Mr. Crandall has some secrets about the makeshift cemetery near their backyard. Or, more specifically, what's beyond the gravesite.

Pet Sematary was a great book because of the space in between the tragedy. Stephen King describes the happy parts of the Creeds' lives, making them think everything's alright, while foreshadowing to the reader that something else is going to happen. He writes the devolution into insanity well in every book, but what stands out here is that Louis tries to rationalize his actions, and admits to knowing that what he's doing is wrong, but always goes back to 'But it's fine'.

If you enjoy Stephen King's other works, or are interested in which book scared the famous writer the most, you would enjoy Pet Sematary by Stephen King.

Mischa, 15

Rating:  

smiley Suggest the Library purchase this book

]]>
https://library.escondido.org/pet-sematary cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org https://library.escondido.org/pet-sematary https://library.escondido.org/pet-sematary Wed, 14 Feb 2024 20:53:00 GMT
Gone Girl Gone girl : a novel

Gone Girl is a young adult novel that takes place in current times. It details the aftermath of Amy Dunne’s disappearance and her husband Nick looking like the obvious suspect. The book flips through the two perspectives of Amy’s diary entry before she went missing and Nick in the present. Gone Girl is constantly interesting with its big twists and themes of mystery, suspense and revenge.

I adored this book. Flynn was able to capture how some women may feel in society and what would happen if they decided to exact their revenge. She was easily able to bring the emotions and feelings of the characters off the page with their realistic motives and flaws. I enjoyed how Gone Girl’s changing perspectives made you question what really is the truth and if people are really who they present themselves as.

I would recommend this book for a mature audience. The book has dark themes and strong language. Despite this, the book makes the reader question what really is the truth in a fun and entertaining way.

Rylie, 15

Rating:  

smiley Find at the Library

]]>
https://library.escondido.org/gone-girl cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org https://library.escondido.org/gone-girl https://library.escondido.org/gone-girl Wed, 07 Feb 2024 03:19:00 GMT
Little Women Little Women (Great Illustrated Classics): May Alcott, Louisa:  9781603400237: Amazon.com: Books

Little Women takes place in Civil War Massachusetts. It focuses on the four March Sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy as they grow into young women as they navigate everyday life in their era. Their neighbor Laurie and their mother known as Marmee are pivotal characters in their life while their father is off fighting in the Civil War. Though the novel focuses on all of the sisters it mainly centers on the differences between Jo and her younger sister Amy.

I loved Louisa May Alcott's realistic depiction of sisterhood and growing pains. The normalcy in the novel makes the reader feel as if they are one of the March Sisters. Despite being a work of fiction the book does not shy away from showing the ugly side of relationships instead it brings it to the front and gives the reader something to relate to. Even though there are four main characters in the novel, each sister still has their own distinct personalities and quirks that make them feel like real people. As a young woman it made me feel seen to read about Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy experiencing the same things as me.

Overall, I would recommend Little Women for girls of all ages. In spite of the novel being written in the 1800s it is still easy and fun to read. Little Women accurately depicts what it feels like to be a girl growing up while still being entertaining and enjoyable.

Rylie, 15

Rating:  

smiley Find at the Library

]]>
https://library.escondido.org/little-women cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org https://library.escondido.org/little-women https://library.escondido.org/little-women Sun, 04 Feb 2024 01:08:00 GMT
This Delicious Death This Delicious Death: 9781728236445: Cottingham, Kayla: Books - Amazon.com

After going through The Hollowing, a large group of people now need human flesh to keep their humanity intact but a synthetic flesh has been created as a substitute. When four girls go to a music festival one of the group goes feral and eats someone. They must figure out why this is happening and how to stop it before it's too late.

I liked this book a lot because of the combination of mystery and romance. The author's writing style gave the reader a glimpse of each character's experience with the hollowing and I found that to be helpful in understanding the characters' motivations.

The book is good for people who aren't bothered by blood and gore. I would also recommend this book to those looking to read LGBTQ+ romance.

Cambrie, 14

Rating:  

smiley Suggest the Library purchase this book

]]>
https://library.escondido.org/this-delicious-death cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org https://library.escondido.org/this-delicious-death https://library.escondido.org/this-delicious-death Sun, 04 Feb 2024 00:36:00 GMT
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue The invisible life of Addie LaRue

The Invisible Life of Addie Larue is a fictional book about a girl who was born in the 1600's in a small, rural village in France. She constantly felt as though the world had more to offer than her daily life of cooking, cleaning, helping her mother and finding books to read. On the day of her marriage, which was arranged by her parents, she runs off into the woods, and meets a 'God that answers after dark'. She proceeds to make a deal with him, which changes the course (and duration) of her life forever.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The imagery was captivating, and I could barely put it down, as I wanted to know what happened next. The plot was also very interesting, with several surprising plot twists.

I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, romance and magic. I particularly like the fact that this book did not make romance the most important part of the plot.

Varvara, 14

Rating:  

smiley Find at the Library

]]>
https://library.escondido.org/the-invisible-life-of-addie-larue cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org https://library.escondido.org/the-invisible-life-of-addie-larue https://library.escondido.org/the-invisible-life-of-addie-larue Fri, 02 Feb 2024 23:09:00 GMT
Forest of a Thousand Lanterns Forest of a thousand lanterns

The story follows Xifeng, a complex and enigmatic protagonist who embarks on a journey from innocence to power. Dao's character development is exceptional, as we witness Xifeng's transformation from a seemingly ordinary girl into a formidable force willing to do whatever it takes to rise to the top.

One of the standout aspects of this book is the vivid world-building. Dao paints a rich and vibrant picture of the mystical Eastern-inspired realm, from the opulent palaces to the dense forests and mystical creatures. The attention to detail and cultural nuances in the world-building add depth and authenticity to the story, making it all the more immersive. There were moments where the pacing felt a bit uneven, but this did not significantly detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.

If you're a reader who enjoys exploring morally complex worlds and characters, I recommend giving this book a try. It's a unique addition to the fantasy genre.

Anna, 16

Rating:  

smiley Find at the Library

]]>
https://library.escondido.org/forest-of-a-thousand-lanterns cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org https://library.escondido.org/forest-of-a-thousand-lanterns https://library.escondido.org/forest-of-a-thousand-lanterns Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:48:00 GMT
Wake Wake

In Wake there is a happy family including two sisters. One of the girls gets hypnotized by sirens. The three sirens turn the sister into a siren and force her to leave her family, but one of her sisters and boyfriend soon find her and bring her home, but the 3 sirens find her again.

It was really good, I find it interesting because it's a girl with a normal life who gets dragged into a huge mess and her life gets completely destroyed.

If you are into fiction, you would really enjoy this book. It's not mermaids but sirens, they are much more dangerous than the little mermaid, Ariel. It is very magical.

Jaedyn, 15

Rating:  

smiley Find at the Library

]]>
https://library.escondido.org/wake cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org https://library.escondido.org/wake https://library.escondido.org/wake Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:27:00 GMT
Project Hail Mary Project Hail Mary : a novel

Project Hail Mary is a Sci-Fi book about a man who wakes up and doesn't know who he is. Gradually, throughout the book, he starts to remember certain things. The main character was written very realistically, so he's easy to relate to, and he's very funny.

Project Hail Mary is an awesome book because of the way it's told. It shifts from the current events surrounding the main character to memories that occur to him as he's trying to remember who he is. This way of story-telling is not unique to this book, but the fact that we only know as much as he does makes you feel like you're there with him as he tries to figure things out.

If you like Science Fiction, funny characters, and some good old suspense, then you should definitely read Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir.

Mischa, 15

Rating:  

smiley Find at the Library

]]>
https://library.escondido.org/project-hail-mary cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org https://library.escondido.org/project-hail-mary https://library.escondido.org/project-hail-mary Fri, 26 Jan 2024 01:59:00 GMT
Vinland Saga: Volume 2 Vinland saga.

The book comes right after the first one and introduces several key characters as Thorfinn continues his journey with Askeladd and the vikings. Most of the book focuses on a new villain, Thorkell, who is working with the British who despite his fun loving nature, is a powerful threat Thorfinn has to deal with. Thorkell is also in possession of three major characters, being Prince Cantune, who is looked down upon for not being experienced with the world, his body guard Ragnar who is like a wise father to Cantune, and a Christian priest who is disheveled from what the three of them have gone through with the vikings. The three of them are taken by Askeladd's group, and guarded by Thorfinn as they get to know each other and their inability to understand the morals and beliefs of the others.

I enjoyed this book, but not as much as the previous one as while we got important information from almost every character, there wasn't much that was going to be seen paid off in this book. Though I do really enjoy the new characters (especially Prince Cantune) as they are a breath of fresh air and allow us to see more of a direct view of the viking's impacts on people, other than through the perspective of random villagers. I can't wait to see more of them in the next book, and especially their interactions with Thorfinn as they are staunch pacifists who believe in love and kindness in themselves and others, being opposites to him.

If you read the first book, then yes, this is a good place to continue the story. It's still in a lot of set up right now, but that just means exciting payoffs and great moments are to come. And even if you don't like story or aren't interested in it (somehow), the book continues the amazing fight scenes and art of the first one so you won't be disappointed there.

Mikayla, 15

Rating:  

smiley Find at the Library

]]>
https://library.escondido.org/vinland-saga-volume-2 cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org https://library.escondido.org/vinland-saga-volume-2 https://library.escondido.org/vinland-saga-volume-2 Wed, 17 Jan 2024 02:42:00 GMT
The Sisterhood The sisterhood

It was about two sisters, the older one went missing and the other sister blamed herself and would not stop looking for her sister until she was found. She found another girl in the middle of the road and brought her to her home and realized this girl might know where her sister is.

I really enjoyed it because it was similar to murder mystery and the book was really intriguing. It makes me realize that I may not have forever with someone so I need to spend my time with them wisely.

I would really recommend the book The Sisterhood by A.J. Grainger to anyone who really enjoys mysteries. For anyone who is into horror or missing stories.

Jaedyn, 15

Rating:  

smiley Find at the Library

]]>
https://library.escondido.org/the-sisterhood cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org https://library.escondido.org/the-sisterhood https://library.escondido.org/the-sisterhood Fri, 12 Jan 2024 01:15:00 GMT
The Hunger Games The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games is a dystopian novel depicting a futuristic society where children from throughout the nation are randomly chosen to fight to the death on live television every year. Katniss Everdeen, our sixteen year old protagonist, is forced to combat the evils within both the fatal games and the society that was birthed from the remnants of war.

Overall, I deeply enjoyed this ambitious work. Even though Collins' writes accessibly, the simple vernacular used in her writing does not take away from the truly complex topics she discusses. While The Hunger Games can be enjoyed for it's suspenseful action and unique atmosphere, I enjoyed this book most because of its subtle critiques on reality television, government, class, and American society as a whole. It explains such nuanced yet familiar ideas in a way that allows even the youngest of readers to properly grasp what the author is trying to convey. Putting complexity aside, The Hunger Games is also an engaging, fast-paced, and exciting novel that will keep you immersed until the very last page. With relatable characters, realistic worlds, and excellent prose, I swear I could not put this book down.

As a staple to the YA dystopian genre, I can not recommend The Hunger Games highly enough. For readers who are looking for a fresh and engaging read, this book is most certainly for you. It has all the elements that dystopian readers' crave without feeling repetitive or over done. With action, complex societies, well-developed characters, and suspense, The Hunger Games will be sure to not disappoint.

Morgan, 14

Rating:  

smiley Find at the Library

]]>
https://library.escondido.org/the-hunger-games cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org https://library.escondido.org/the-hunger-games https://library.escondido.org/the-hunger-games Wed, 03 Jan 2024 20:32:00 GMT
Both Can Be True Both Can Be True by Machias, Jules

Ash is a genderfluid person who feels pressured to stay as one gender rather then who they are. While finding out how to be themselves, Daniel, who has a love for dogs, takes in a new pup companion (in secret). The dog's name is Chewbarka, and he saved her from being put down. This lovable dog brings the two close together with the same hope to save Chewbarka.

I found this book a heartwarming story filled with the joy of animals. It is a great representation of what it is like to be someone who is coming out and I found it refreshing to find a book that related to those struggles.

I would definitely recommend it to animal lovers and those of the LGBTQIA+. It is beautifully written and switches perspective.

Cambrie, 14

Rating: 

smiley Suggest the Library purchase this book

]]>
https://library.escondido.org/both-can-be-true cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org https://library.escondido.org/both-can-be-true https://library.escondido.org/both-can-be-true Wed, 03 Jan 2024 19:54:00 GMT
Caraval Caraval

Caraval by Stephanie Garber is a fantasy novel following two sisters, Scarlett and Tella, who enter a mysterious game called Caraval to escape their father's control. When Tella goes missing, Scarlett must navigate through illusions and secrets within Caraval to find her.

I had mixed feelings about Caraval. The best aspect was the imaginative world-building, with its whimsical descriptions and magical atmosphere. The twists and turns added suspense, but at times it felt overwhelming and confusing. Additionally, character development could have been stronger, leaving me wanting more depth and connection to the protagonists.

I would cautiously recommend Caraval to fans of fantasy who appreciate vivid settings and a suspenseful plot. If you enjoy books that immerse you in enchanting worlds and don't mind sacrificing some character development for a fast-paced adventure, then Caraval might be worth a read. However, if you prefer more well-rounded characters and a clearer narrative, this book might not fully satisfy your expectations.

Jane, 13

Rating:  

smiley Find at the Library

]]>
https://library.escondido.org/caraval cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org https://library.escondido.org/caraval https://library.escondido.org/caraval Mon, 06 Nov 2023 18:50:00 GMT
A Stepmother's Marchen A stepmother's marchen vol. 1

It’s a manhwa about a young old widow, Shuri von Neuschwanstein, taking care of her non-blood related children. Her children disliked her as well as the public opinion, and so by the time Jeremy’s wedding came, she left the household, feeling unappreciated for all the hard she has done. While leaving the castle, she got caught up in an accident and died. But, she woke up transported back in time seven years ago on the day her husband died, giving her a second chance to amend their relationship.

The art is so beautiful, and the diversity in characters is nice. I like Shuri as a character since she doesn’t calculate every step just because she knows the past timeline, but instead she used the past to understand the situation better. In other words, there isn’t really a “oh if you make this mistake again, it will lead to your doom”.

I’ll for sure recommend it if you like some dark drama, some romance, and a wholesome family manhwa. If you also like setting to be based on something more historically accurate, then this may also be a lovely read.

Anna, 16

Rating:  

smiley Find at the Library

]]>
https://library.escondido.org/a-stepmothers-marchen cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org https://library.escondido.org/a-stepmothers-marchen https://library.escondido.org/a-stepmothers-marchen Fri, 27 Oct 2023 22:05:00 GMT
Eighteen Years Eighteen Years: Kuhn, Madisen, Supnik, Laura: 9781540491596: Amazon.com:  Books

This book is about the struggles that everyone feels in their teen years in the for of poems. Much of which consists of love, heartbreak, and gratitude.

It was written in a way that everyone can connect to it if you've loved someone. Which, because most people have fallen in love or are loved, it will resonate with you well.

It makes you feel heard and helps you to reflect on the decisions you and other have made.

Kailyn, 16

Rating:  

smiley Suggest the Library purchase this book

]]>
https://library.escondido.org/eighteen-years cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org https://library.escondido.org/eighteen-years https://library.escondido.org/eighteen-years Fri, 27 Oct 2023 01:11:00 GMT
Five Survive Amazon.com: Five Survive: 9780593374160: Jackson, Holly: Books

A group of six teenagers go on a trip for spring break. Their RV breaks down in the middle of nowhere where there is no cell service or town nearby. They find out this was a planned attack to uncover a secret one of them is keeping. Only five will survive the night.

It was an excellent book. I enjoyed the suspense as they uncovered everyone's secrets and work to figure out why they were targeted.

I would definitely recommend this book to others. It is great for people who like thrillers.

Cambrie, 14

Rating: 

smiley Suggest the Library purchase this book

]]>
https://library.escondido.org/five-survive cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org https://library.escondido.org/five-survive https://library.escondido.org/five-survive Wed, 20 Sep 2023 19:22:00 GMT
Ramona Blue Ramona Blue

Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy tells the story of Ramona, a teenage girl who is navigating her identity and relationships in a small town after Hurricane Katrina. While the book explores important themes of self-discovery, family dynamics, and sexual orientation, I personally found it to be lacking in depth and character development.

I had mixed feelings about Ramona Blue. While the book tackles important topics and addresses the complexities of identity, I felt that the plot lacked cohesion and direction. The pacing was slow, and the characters felt underdeveloped, making it difficult for me to fully connect with them.

I would cautiously recommend Ramona Blue to readers who appreciate coming-of-age stories and are interested in exploring themes of identity and sexuality. However, I would also suggest being prepared for a slower-paced narrative and characters that may not resonate as strongly. It's important to approach this book with an understanding that personal opinions may vary, and some readers may find deeper meaning and connection within its pages.

Jane, 13

Rating: 

smiley Find at the Library

]]>
https://library.escondido.org/ramona-blue cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org https://library.escondido.org/ramona-blue https://library.escondido.org/ramona-blue Tue, 19 Sep 2023 21:45:00 GMT
The Summer I Turned Pretty The summer I turned pretty

Girl who goes to a summer house every summer of her life with her mother and brother is hopelessly falling in love with house-owners son. she glows up one summer and suddenly both sons are interested in her.

The Summer I Turned Pretty is the perfect book for summer. The author did a really good job making the story, It makes me want to fall in to a love triangle. I like how the author was developing the story throughout the book.

If your looking for the perfect summer romance book, then this is the book for you. Its packed with drama and it kept me on my toes. This story would make you want to live in this world.

Karime, 14

Rating:  

smileyFind at the Library

]]>
https://library.escondido.org/the-summer-i-turned-pretty cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org https://library.escondido.org/the-summer-i-turned-pretty https://library.escondido.org/the-summer-i-turned-pretty Sat, 02 Sep 2023 00:16:00 GMT