I must admit that this novel was not at all what I expected. I didn't want to have any preconceived notions before reading, so I avoided looking at re...moreI must admit that this novel was not at all what I expected. I didn't want to have any preconceived notions before reading, so I avoided looking at reviews of this book. I knew that JK Rowling was challenging herself by writing outside of her genre. 50+ pages into The Casual Vacancy, I thought I was reading a murder mystery. Rowling really is reaching outside of herself in this adult novel attempt at realistic fiction, and a very far cry from the young adult fantasy world of Harry Potter.
I think it takes well over 100 pages to setup the 34 characters of this novel. The beginning seemed very disjointed to me, as I couldn't quite figure out how the story was going to fit together. But then Jo worked her literary magic and all the pieces started to come together. Around page 300, I didn't want to put the book down. The story starts off slowly and there can certainly be language and cultural barriers for readers because it is set in a small modern day rural United Kingdom village.
I am grateful that the publishers talked Rowling out of publishing under a psuedonym. To be honest, I don't think I would have picked this book up otherwise. While I had a few chuckles at the expense of Pagford villagers, JK has penned a modern day Greek tragedy.(less)
Jim Murphy tries to defend some of the good deeds that Benedict Arnold accomplished in his lifetime. Let's say it...the guy has a bad reputation. I th...moreJim Murphy tries to defend some of the good deeds that Benedict Arnold accomplished in his lifetime. Let's say it...the guy has a bad reputation. I think the author makes a great attempt at showing how Arnold spent most of his life trying to bring honor to his family and he just made a pretty bad mistake. I always wondered what happened to him after the revolution and now I know! I thought the book had a few too many details for the average teen reader, but if someone is interested in the subject, they might enjoy it. I'll admit there were parts where I was bored, but I think this is worth a look.(less)
Miles is entering his junior year in high school, but this year he will be attending a prep school. Always an outcast, he has never been the type to h...moreMiles is entering his junior year in high school, but this year he will be attending a prep school. Always an outcast, he has never been the type to have friends, much less a girlfriend. Miles must learn to adapt to his new surroundings and learns to make friends along the way. Miles studies the question, "What happens to us when we die?" in his philosophy course as he copes with the loss of friend. The book examines links between Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam related to death.
John Green's debut novel could not be more realistic and should be a must read for high school students. Mature language and subject matter, including explicit sexual content will keep it out middle schools (although my students are asking for books by this author). This Printz Award winning book is definitely worth a read.(less)
Death narrates the story of a girl living through WWII in Nazi Germany. Zusak offers a refreshing new look at the Holocaust in this life changing nove...moreDeath narrates the story of a girl living through WWII in Nazi Germany. Zusak offers a refreshing new look at the Holocaust in this life changing novel.(less)
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