A fairly dysfunctional family has to stay together in a hotel cut off from the rest of the world for the summer. This hotel is infested by an evil spirit, one the young son of the family has many harsh encounters with. Danny, the boy, has a special ability, one this evil desperately wants.

The Shining is a thrilling book because the way Stephen King writes the different characters' perspectives provides insight into so many things. How the hotel begins to take over Jack's mind. How terrifying the nightmares that 'Tony' brings for Danny. How the survival instinct of a mom kicks in when her son is in danger. It dives deeper than a simple horror story.

If you like horror, the slow spread of insanity, and supernatural evils, then you would enjoy The Shining by Stephen King.

Mischa, 14

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Prudence Barnett, an ambitious 10th grader, slips and falls. Suddenly she has the power to cast instant karma on those around her. Prudence quickly realizes that her power doesn't work on her lab partner Quint, and she finds out that karma isn't always black and white.

I really liked Instant Karma. It's different that Marissa Meyer's other books, but still very well-written. I loved how Prudence was developed, and how much she learned from Quint throughout the book. I liked their relationship, how much the two grow over rescuing and helping sea animals. Instant Karma has such a good message: that you shouldn't be so quick to judge others.

If you liked Marissa Meyer's other books, this is an excellent one to try. It has interesting characters, a good plot, and is very informative. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of this author and a romance/growing up story.

Landree, 14

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