Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Readers United Book Reviews | Dumplin’ and Hot Pterodactyl Boyfriend​

Cecilia Curran ’20 reviews two fun and captivating novels impossible to put down. 


Dumplin’​ By Julie Murphy


In this day and age, how many teenage girls truly love their body? Not many. However, Willowdean “Dumplin’” Dickson is an exception. The protagonist of Dumplin’ take us along on an adventure of love of all sorts.

Willowdean Dickson has never been small. A word many would use to describe her is “fat,” but, to herself, she is beautiful. Growing up in a household with her overweight Aunt taught her to love herself. Willow never saw herself as inferior in any way, but, after the death of her Aunt Lucy, she stuck living with her pageant- running mother. Followed by constant reminders of her weight and how she could be “better,” her life seems to be on the decline, but her home life isn’t the worst of it. 

Outside of the house, Willow is faced with a problem she’s never known before- Bo: The rugged dreamboat from every girls’ dreams, Willow finds herself falling in love, but she can’t bring herself to be in a relationship. Insecurities cloud her decision making in addition to shame from her sexual immaturity. Topped with her mother’s constant berating, she finds herself going insane. 

As pageant season rolls around, things are at their worst, but Willow decides to do something to change everything, something she never thought she would do before: she enters her mother's pageant. Shocking everyone around her, including her former best friend, Willow finds herself risking it all to get Bo and prove to her mother that big is beautiful. 

Verdict: Despite its seemingly cliché plot, as soon as you begin the book you’ll fall in love with Willow’s confident personality. Combined with a love story and a diverse group of misfit friends, Dumplin’ is impossible to put down.


Hot Pterodactyl Boyfriend​ by Alan Cumyn 


Last time anyone checked, Pterodactyls went extinct 66 million years ago, and yet here lies the tale of Vista Views High. As bizarre as the title sounds, Hot Pterodactyl Boyfriend is an insane adventure surrounding the arrival of a Pterodactyl student. 

Sheils had it all. She loved her school, her family, her boyfriends, and her position as student body chair. Not to mention that she was great at being a part of all of them. A bright future lay ahead of her, but everything would change with a moment that would make history in the world, the arrival of Pyke, a pterodactyl student. 

Sheils automatically assumes that Pyke will be hated by the student body but finds that everyone loves him. A musician, athlete, and new boyfriend of the school’s track star- everyone falls in love with him. Soon Sheils comes to the realization that she may love him too, and she doesn’t know why. In addition to facing this new revelation, Sheils deals with many more real problems. A crazy night at a school dance finds her marked by Pyke: a purple nose. As she tries to keep the school and community the same, she finds herself fighting a losing battle. She loses her boyfriend, the respect of her school, and the authority that comes with her position. In addition, with everything going on, she can’t even think about her future. 

From the lowest point in her life, Sheils finds herself lost and all she can think about is a Pterodactyl. 

Verdict: If you’re in the mood for a one of a kind book with a bizarre premise, the twists and turns of Hot Pterodactyl Boyfriend may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Readers United Book Reviews | Modern Lovers

Jamie Shin ’20 reviews a thought-provoking novel full of surprises. 


Modern Lovers by Emma Straub

To me, Modern Lovers by Emma Straub was about finding new love, looking to recover old love, what it means to be a family, and figuring out the messiest moments in life. From college bandmates, to lovers, to next-door neighbors, Andrew, Elizabeth, Zoe, and Jane have gone through it all together. But now they’re almost fifty, and are clinging on to the things that allow them to feel the last bit of youth they can. 

Andrew Marx, though supported by his trust fund from his rich parents, is job-less, insecure, and is having with trouble in his marriage; he hits his mid-life crisis. Elizabeth Marx can do nothing but watch him figure things out for himself, even if that means standing by him as he accidentally almost joins a cult-like yoga-house… After all, she is busy enough on her own, dealing with her job as a real-estate agent, which gives her the pressure to let no one in her town see her anything but happy all the time. Even when the four find out their son and daughter are sleeping together in the most humiliating way— at the police station. 

Similarly, Zoe and Jane are having a rough patch in their relationship as well. While their daughter, Ruby, is getting into all sorts of trouble, they feel like they have lost the spark in their relationship. But maybe all they needed was an emergency in the family business to bring them all back together and remind them of the passion they hold for each other and in life. 

Simply put, Modern Lovers made me feel confused about how I should feel. Emma Straub’s humor is best put as realistic, rather than dark, but only because she puts things exactly how it is. Straub implies ideas, instead of stating them. By writing in a way in which she was slightly assuming the audience had some knowledge about the characters before getting to know them, she made me figure things out about the character using context. There were countless “ohhh” moments while reading the book, which means it was getting me to think harder. 

I have to admit, the novel is quite a long read; it took me about two weeks worth of on and off reading to finish. Even if I had the time, I don’t think I could’ve finished it in one reading, because of the heavy material. I know the target audience isn’t my age, so I understood what I could and the rest, I didn’t try to force myself to. 

Verdict: In general, I would recommend this book to an older audience, however it is a compelling read full of surprises. 



Readers United Book Reviews | Room and Wonder

Siri Palreddy ’20 reviews two novels that, though with very different subject matter, will both keep you interested and reading until the end. 


Room by Emma Donogue
 

Room by Emma Donoghue Room is told through the eyes of Jack, a five year-old boy who has been confined to an 11 foot by 11 foot room him and his mother have lived in for all his life. 

Since Jack has never been out into the real world, his closest friends besides his mom are the things that surround him, like Rug, Bed, and Wall. The unique way we see Jack’s world is one of the best parts of this book. When Jack learns something, the reader does as well. There is no all-knowing view in this story but instead a carefully crafted plot that strings us along more information as we go. 

This aspect of the novel was what makes this book really stand out. Sometimes, I would read a few pages thinking Jack was observing something that was just an ordinary thing, then I would re-read it and see that Donoghue was actually describing something much more horrifying - such as when we realize that Jack’s mom had been kept in Room because she was abducted by a sexual predator at 19, a man whom Jack calls Old Nick, another name for the devil, after relating this man to what he has heard about Satan on TV. 

There are many more instances like these that will make you think about what was written, trying to understand it again and analyze it. 

Another part of this novel I really enjoyed was getting to experience Jack’s mom, or as he calls her, Ma. Ma is not someone we feel pity for, nor is she a perfect heroine. We admire her because she stays so strong even when she is continuously raped, making sure that whatever she does is for the best of Jack, even if it negatively affects her. However, when Jack and Ma are rescued from Old Nick, we also see how hard it is for her to adapt back to this world she was stolen from.

Verdict: All in all, Room is a great book with dynamic character relationships. It can be a little scary and disturbing at times, so if you’d rather stray away from those things, this book may not be a good choice. But read this book when you can; it’s a really inspiring story by the end. 





Wonder by R.J Palacio 


Recently, I was re-reading Wonder and I realized again how good of a book it is - since a new movie adaptation of it came out, a synopsis of the book might help those trying to understand Wonder. Wonder is about a ten-year old boy named Auggie Pullman who was born with severe facial deformities. He had to get several surgeries after birth, and now he doesn’t have that many friends because of his appearance. 

The book starts with Auggie entering middle-school at Beecher Prep. At first, he is bullied because of his looks, but, by the end of the novel, he makes many new friends and learns that what’s on the outside doesn’t matter. 

Although there’s a stereotypical moral to this story, the plot is anything but that. Almost each character in the book gets their own section where we see the story from their view. We see how Auggie feels at this new school, and how his sister, who loves Auggie but is also overshadowed by his needs, reacts to Auggie being away and her own social life being altered. 

Each part gives us a 3D shape to each character instead of a flat, boring perception that would have been expected from most books with a single narrator. 

Palacio does not make any character perfect - each has flaws and pros, but readers learn to appreciate these all the same. When, in the end, Auggie is supported by those who had previously turned against them, it shows that Auggie is just like any other kid in Beecher Prep. 

Verdict: The message of equality really resonates in this novel, and it’s great for both older and younger people. It’s just such a heart-warming novel that is also really fun to read with others.

Thursday, February 1, 2018

Readers United Book Reviews | The Fixes and Every Exquisite Thing

Caroline Rispoli ’20 reviews two novels with unique and interesting concepts sure to keep you reading.



The Fixes by Owen Matthews


For Capilano kids, life’s a breeze. With the constant security of their trust funds and nonexistent responsibilities, the world is their party. For Eric Connelly, the constant pressure of growing up to be a “Connelly Man” looms over him like a thunder cloud. He had a plan. Rather, his father had a plan for him: To be named Student of the Year, to attend Stanford Law, and to follow the family tradition of a career in politics. This was the expectation; this was what mattered most, and this was the “end all and be all” of Eric Connelly’s life. This was his legacy.

Then, Eric meets Jordan, who introduces the now nicknamed “E” to the Suicide Pack, a group of four teens sick of the obnoxious, money obsessed population of Capilano. It is following this introduction that things go awry. Stealing famous paintings, shoplifting from the mall, trashing a magazine factory. Innocent enough. These are their Fixes. But it’s all fun and games until someone builds a bomb…

Actually, someone builds four bombs.

A thrilling novel that will have your heart racing, you will feel a rush of adrenaline with every Fix, The Fixes will keep you on the edge of your seat. Owen Matthews blends the innocence of high school teens with the intrigue of risk and adventure. It will leave you questioning what your own Fix could be.

Verdict: The Fixes showcases the effects of influence and how fun can go too far. A must-read for anyone looking for suspense and surprise.



Every Exquisite Thing by Matthew Quick


Nanette O’Hare has embodied the role of perfect daughter for as long as she can remember. A high achieving student, an agreeable child to her parents, and on her way to being recruited as the MVP of her soccer team, Nanette is the definition of a “Goody Two Shoes."

However, when she is left a copy of an out of print book, The Bubblegum Reaper, the Nanette everyone knew and loved is replaced by a much darker version of herself, perhaps her true self.

Proving the powerful effect of words, the prominent message of rebellion in The Bubblegum Reaper takes its emotional toll on the girl who had been bottling everything inside. Nanette befriends the author of her now favorite book, falls in love with an undeniably talented poet, and finally removes the weight of everyone’s expectations from her shoulders.

Verdict: Matthew Quick writes a powerful novel that displays a real sense of truth and honesty.

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Readers United Book Reviews | The Sun and Her Flowers and North of Happy

Betsy Overstrum ‘20 reviews two novels that will change the way you view the world.
 


The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur


The Sun and Her Flowers, written by Rupi Kaur, will not cease to amaze any of its readers. Written from the perspective of a 21st century female, this collection of poetry and short literary works contains something that everyone can relate to. Kaur touches upon subjects including love, femininity, immigration, empowerment, self-abandonment, and grief.
            Kaur opens very abruptly in the first section called “Wilting.” She begins with grief and its impact on our feelings and actions. From there she moves on to “Falling.” This section is focused on what it’s like being a woman in today’s society. Two poems that really stand out focus on consent and how some girls were raised without being taught basic communication skills: “How can I verbalize consent if I was never taught as a child?” Another big part of this section is society’s expectations for women and their bodies.
“Rooting” and “Rising” are the next two sections. They focus on honoring your roots and remembering the importance of the past to continue into the future. Kaur emphasizes the importance of not forgetting where you came from and how you got to where you are today. The last section, “Blooming,” focuses on self-perception and stresses the importance of not comparing oneself to others, whether that be one’s body or path in life. The author also stresses in this section the impact of women’s bodies and clothes on society. The Sun and Her Flowers has really changed how I see myself and the world around me, and I know that it can do the same for others. 

Verdict: I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, enlightening read that will change their perspective on themselves and others. 



North of Happy by Adi Alsaid


The life of a high school alum trying to determine what to do next can be summed up in one word: confusing. North of Happy by Adi Alsaid begins with an argument between a father and son over the fact that the father doesn’t seem to be bothered with the death of his oldest, Felix. Carlos runs away with immense frustration from his family in Mexico to the United States.
            Unsure of what to do next, Carlos finds himself on Needle Eye Island, a magical place. Carlos claims he came to this island to eat at a restaurant “for his brother” because they both loved food and cooking with a passion, but, in reality, he wanted to get away from Mexico and the pressures of life. While waiting to make a reservation at the restaurant, he meets Emma, a beautiful girl about his age. After multiple adventures and a kiss or two they’ve clearly hit it off.   
             Eventually, Emma gets Carlos a job at the restaurant because her mother owns it and she wants to show her affection for Carlos. Carlos is living his dream with an adventurous and perfect girlfriend and a job working for his favorite celebrity chef. After weeks of pure happiness and cooking tests, Chef presses Carlos with a difficult decision: Emma or the kitchen. Carlos’ dead brother shows up to help him along his cooking journey and give him a laugh or two when he needs it most.
Carlos sneaks around with Emma (constantly interrupted psychologically by his brother), but when Carlos makes a careless mistake and receives a frantic phone call from his mother, there’s nothing left for him on the island. Carlos comes home to find a sick father and lots of explaining to do after months of being away.

Verdict: I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a journey of both love and grief as well as a tale of maturity and excitement.






           


Monday, January 15, 2018

Readers United Book Reviews | Wonder Woman: Warbringer and King of the Screwups

Caroline Huber '21 examines two young adult novels sure to keep you interested from the first page to the last.


Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo


 
Perhaps you remember, as a child, seeing the books that were so popular at a young age: the early reader books with your favorite superheroes, princesses, or animated characters at the heart of them all. Perhaps reading Leigh Bardugo’s new book, Wonder Woman: Warbringer, will bring back memories of those flimsy, brightly colored books of your youth. Unlike those branded pages, however, this book manages to work Wonder Woman into the plot as part of a larger story, whilst still prioritizing her character, but not as the singular plot device. From the beginning of the novel, we are treated to a strong female character that is aware of her own superiority, which, at times, is used as a comic device, leading to a few of the books most funny and empowering moments. Throughout the book, we are treated to a rarity in young adult novels: a girl that prioritizes her friendships and personal health over her feelings for the love interest. In fact, it’s very pleasant to see the romance be a side plot, rather then the main storyline. More important aspects of the book include the plot twists, which are unpredictable in the best sort of way.  Instead of being like many YA novels, the plot doesn’t coast along without much fuel, but is instead jam-packed with action without seeming forced. In fact, Bardugo, who notably wrote the Shadow and Bone series and many spin offs, poignantly describes emotion without sounding forced. Together, with all of its wonderful elements, Wonder Woman: Warbringer is a book you won’t want to miss.

Verdict: Overall, Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo is a pleasant surprise with a fascinating plot and relatable characters and twists that you definitely won't expect.


King of the Screwups by K.L. Going


King of the Screwups by K.L. Going is aptly named. Indeed, the book does not disappoint, successfully chronicling a fair number of “screwups." The story is simple: a teenage boy with bad behavior issues and a successful father and a model mother, goes a step too far and is kicked out. He finds refuge with his uncle, who is described on the book flap as “a gay glam-rocker disc jockey,” though this is somewhat misleading, as, throughout the story, that description is proved to be clearly over exaggerated. However, there is some truth when it comes to the musical element, much to the chagrin of the narrator, Liam Geller, who is the embodiment of the title. As a study in family dynamics, the book dives deep into the way teens perceive others' perceptions of them and how negative commentary from people close to teens can make them do things they regret. Liam is not a character we are initially poised to like. In fact, the first pages begin with a flashback of Liam making a mistake that angers his father. It is very clear foreshadowing of what is to come. Throughout the novel, flashbacks show background for Liam, and it is clear that the reader is supposed to be building more trust for the character. Liam is reliable in how unreliable he is, and the reader, and supporting characters, must grapple with the fact that as imperfect as the teenage protagonist is, the adults in the novel have just as many flaws. All things considered, King of the Screw Ups is a good read if you’re looking for a young adult book about consequences and family dynamics.
Verdict: King of the Screwups focuses mainly on the flaws of teenage behavior with average prose and a large helping of family dynamics. The novel is not difficult to read but brushes lightly on hard topics.