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.

Readers United Book Reviews | Things We Have in Common and One of Us Is Lying

Lily Ding '20 starts off the term with two books full of suspense and surprise, guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. 

Things We Have in Common by Tasha Kavanagh

Things We Have in Common by Tasha Kavanagh is a dark, suspenseful story of how a teenage girl’s loneliness leads to a dangerous obsession. Yasmin is fifteen years old, overweight, obsessive, and a social pariah at her high school. Her father died five years ago, and she is now stuck living with her mother and her judgmental stepfather with whom she does not get along. To cope, Yasmin has created a friendship completely in her mind with another girl at school named Alice.

One day during recess, Yasmin notices a man watching Alice. Days later, Alice goes missing and Yasmin is possibly the only person who knows who has taken her. This leads Yasmin to a new obsession: the man who may or may not have taken Alice. What follows is a series of shocking events that surround Alice’s all-consuming obsession with her new “friend.”

My reaction to this novel was split: while I thoroughly enjoyed the way Yasmin was portrayed, I felt that the plot of the story was lacking. Kavanagh was able to create a complex character who readers can connect with. Even though she lies and has little to no self-control, the reader feels mostly sympathy for her. Kavanagh paints a portrait of Yasmin in a compelling, yet unsettling way. Yasmin is on one hand a young girl trying to figure out her life, but on the other hand, her obsessions are disturbing and unsettling. Yasmin’s character was crafted thoughtfully and Kavanagh was very careful about how she portrayed Yasmin’s obsession. Her writing, full of twists and turns, is beautiful and creepy at the same time.

The plot, however, is not as compelling. I expected this book to be a page-turner and a quick read, but it was slow from the start. It does not seem very realistic that Yasmin, a slightly paranoid and obsessive young girl, would befriend a much older man who may have kidnapped someone that she considers a friend. In every one of her other relationships in Things We Have in Common, Yasmin pushes people away and makes it hard for people to connect with her. However, in this one instance, she immediately reaches out to a stranger. However, the ending is not only startling, but will leave readers wanting more.

Verdict: Overall, I would recommend Things We Have in Common to readers who enjoy suspenseful novels that are full of plot twists and shocking moments.

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus 

Five high school students walk into detention, but only four make it out alive. One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus is a page-turner that instantly draws the reader in from the very first page. Simon runs a gossip app, “About That,” and using it as a platform to spread gossip about his classmates. He, along with overachieving Bronwyn, beautiful-but-naive Addy, athletic Cooper, and drug-dealing Nate, goes to detention. Sounds like something straight out of The Breakfast Club -- but then there is a twist: Simon never makes it out alive. Later, it is revealed that Simon’s “next big scoop” involved Bronwyn, Addy, Cooper, and Nate. This means they could all have a motive! What ensues is a whodunit type novel that tries to figure out what happened to Simon.

McManus manages to create a lively, intricate, and clearly written novel. It is full of suspense that engages the reader throughout the novel. She writes in a straightforward and lucid language with shorter sentences and simple words that younger readers are able to understand.  Each of the four main characters take turns narrating the story, which allows the reader to get a fuller backstory of not only the four characters, but also their families, teachers, and investigators. Bronwyn, Addy, Cooper, and Nate all have secrets to hide that slowly get revealed with each chapter.

Verdict: I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in mystery books regardless of their age. The question is not whether to read the book, but what happened to Simon?

Readers United Book Reviews | All the Light We Cannot See and Leonardo da Vinci: The Mind of the Renaissance

Skylar Hansen-Raj ’20 returns with two interesting and profound historical novels, one fictional and one biographical.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See is a beautifully written piece focusing on the effects of war on seemingly everyday people. Doerr’s gorgeous style of writing is both clever and unique, as it slowly unfolds a bittersweet story of two young adults during World War II. This book is a magical read, as it is able to pull the reader in. 

One of the story’s main features is Doerr’s use of time skips. He starts off the book with a vivid image of an airplane gliding over the coastline of the French port Saint-Malo just before liberation. “To the bombardiers, the walled city in its granite headland, drawing ever closer, looks like an unholy tooth, something black and dangerous, a final abscess to be laced away,” Doerr writes. The poetic language of the text allows the story to be one of grace and strength instead of grit and gore. Although a variety of tough subjects are brought up, Doerr’s careful insight and use of blank space allow the reader to pause and truly reflect.

The plot centers around two characters in very different situations. The first is Marie-Laure, a headstrong and resilient girl who happens to be blind. The other is Werner, an orphan with a knack for mathematics who was born in the wrong place and time. Marie-Laure and her single father, a locksmith, escape Paris just as it is occupied by Germany and flee to Saint-Malo where relative Etienne lives. The father is entrusted with the safekeeping of the Sea of Flames, a highly valuable diamond that supposedly allows the owner to live forever. However, it causes terrible things to happen to the people the owner loves. Over the course of the book Marie-Laure struggles for survival, learns to do what’s right, and comes to love the city.

In the beginning of the novel, Werner dreams of leaving the orphanage. He and his younger sister Jutta listen to the broadcasts on the radio. One broadcast specifically catches their interest: a Frenchman who plays the piano and talks about science. He is the one who inspires Werner to build and solve the mysteries of the radio. Werner is noticed for his skill of the radios and successfully tests into the Nazi academy. He leaves Jutta behind, but not before she demands, “Is it right to do something only because everyone else is doing it?”

At the academy, Werner’s skill is noticed and put to use. He also befriends Frederick, a kind boy who seems out of place. Throughout the book Werner suffers and regrets before he finally understands what it means to live.

I really loved this book. The imagery and writing style impressed me so much that it has inspired me to try some creative writing. The way Doerr articulates the meaning of living is especially profound. The book manages to not be heavy on war but instead on the small actions of people trying to live their lives during hard times. It is not just a tale of survival; it is a story of love and hope. Doerr successfully manage to place the reader into the mind of a Nazi and makes you challenge your own morals. Although I wasn’t completely satisfied with the ending, I feel as if I could read this book a hundred times more.


Verdict: I would strongly recommend this book to those who feel like a dark theme but a light read.

Leonardo da Vinci: The Mind of the Renaissance by Alessandro Vezzosi

Leonardo da Vinci: The Mind of the Renaissance, by Alessandro Vezzosi, is an excellent documentation of da Vinci’s background, private life, discoveries, and art. A dense but short read, it is extremely factual and surprisingly interesting.

One of the greatest figures of the Renaissance, da Vinci has long been idolized and studied. This book goes into deeper detail of who he truly was. Although best known for his art, da Vinci was so much more than simply an artist. He was a scientist, philosopher, anatomist, astronomer, engineer, courtier, and an inventor. In fact, his paintings were often ways of studying the human body and its capabilities. His spirited and active imagination led him to explore the mysteries of the world. He studied the heavens and designed several parachutes to get him there. Da Vinci also researched medicine, hydraulic, mechanics, painting techniques, architecture, warfare, and weaponry. Many of his discoveries were crucial to inventions made today.

This book is more than just a biography. It takes the reader on a journey through Florence, Milan, and France. Each setting is accurately detailed and represents the hardships da Vinci faced as he struggled to make a name for himself in the world.

This book was fascinating to read because I had never appreciated all the work da Vinci did. He was a true scientist. I loved the way the information was presented. Instead of cramming everything onto a page, the author created a fresh format to keep the book from becoming overwhelming.

Several prints of da Vinci’s paintings and notes are also included, which allow the reader to see the exact pieces the text references. I gained a lot of respect for da Vinci, as there is a lot more than the textbooks describe him to be. Although little is known about the true life of da Vinci, the book does a great job describing myths and also real snippets of his own works. My favorite quote of da Vinci’s is: “When I thought I was learning to live, I was learning to die.”

Verdict: I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for great and in depth information about both the Renaissance and da Vinci.

Readers United Book Reviews | If I Was Your Girl

CiCi Curran '20 returns with a romance that does not shy away from difficult topics. This book will tug at your heartstrings and is sure to keep you interested the whole way through.

If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo



At the start of every school year, there is always a new girl or boy. Faced with immediate judgment, they either make friends or fall into the background of high school. In If I Was Your Girl, by Meredith Russo, Russo tells the story of Amanda Hardy, a transgender girl who's been through it all. She’s attempted suicide, been beat up, and can barely remember a time when she wasn’t bullied. Amanda switches school to have a new start, a new start where nobody knows about her secret. Things start well for Amanda. She manages to fit in by making friends, reconnecting with her dad, and catching the attention of guys.

Right off the bat, Amanda makes new friends and meets Grant.  Kind, socially smart, and athletic, Grant is the perfect guy for Amanda. Naturally, she finds herself falling love. There’s just one problem: how do you fall in love and have a relationship with someone you can’t tell everything?

Faced with the choice between telling Grant the truth and potentially ending their relationship or lying and being forced to live with herself, Amanda finds herself unable to make a decision.

Unlike other authors, Russo doesn't filter any aspect out no matter how dark. Amanda soon discovers that the truth demands to be known, whether she likes it or not.

Verdict​: Read If I Was Your Girl if you're in the mood for a romance that also addresses issues affecting our society every day. You won’t be able to put this story down until you know how Amanda's story ends.

Readers United Book Reviews | Sophie's World and Dawn

Ava Hathaway Hacker '18 returns with two thought-provoking novels sure to keep you reading until the end. 

Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder

"The only thing that we require to be good philosophers is the faculty of wonder."

In Jostein Gaarder’s novel, Sophie’s World, Sophie Amundsen returns home from school one day to find two mysterious notes in her mailbox. Each notes has one question: “Who are you?” and “Where do we come from?” This begins a series of lessons between Sophie and her  teacher, Albert Knox, as the novel continues to, with Sophie’s own learning, explore the history of philosophy in a new and enlightening way: through the eyes of a fourteen-year-old girl.

Sophie’s World tracks the evolution of mankind’s philosophical thought, and, within that, makes the reader ask the same theoretical questions of themselves. Though the plot involving Sophie and her philosophy teacher Albert Knox, as well as well as other characters introduced later, grows more and more complex as the novel advances, part of the excitement of the story is not truly understanding everything, both about the characters and also about the lessons they are teaching. The realizations later in the novel about the nature of Sophie and her teacher themselves twists the book further from a straightforward story.

Sophie’s World is a compelling read. Though not a dramatic page-turner, it presents enough mystery and speculation to keep the reader interested. It is carefully written and the pieces fit seamlessly together. While some of the concepts of Sophie’s story might be complex, the writing is clear and simple.

Verdict: I would recommend this novel to anyone interested in philosophy and philosophical exploration who does not shy away from long reads.

Dawn by Octavia Butler

Octavia Butler's, Dawn, the first book in the Xenogenesis trilogy, tells the story of a Woman named Lilith who wakes up in an isolated compartment on a spaceship to learn that she has been in suspended animation for hundreds of years, ever since nuclear war destroyed life on Earth. She meets the Oankali, the alien race that has rescued her, and a few other humans, from the destruction. 

The Oankali are frightening in appearance, lacking facial features and sporting tentacles. They possess the power of genetic manipulation and there are three, rather than two, genders: male, female, and Ooloi. Though they have saved some remnants of humanity, it is not for unselfish reasons. They want to repopulate earth with a new phase of life, Oankali -human hybrid children.

Lilith is given the responsibility of training the other rescued humans, though she herself is disgusted by both the Oanlaki themselves and their plans for humanities future. The novel explores multitudes of complex themes: colonization, xenophobia, consent, sexuality, gender, human nature, race, and many more. 

Dawn is far from an easy read, it is complex and frightening, and, at times, graphic. However, for the readers who can handle the disturbing aspects, Dawn is one of the most compelling and thought-provoking examples of sci-fi speculative fictions of all time. Octavia Butler creates a story that will shock and amaze the reader. Truly, there are few books like it.

Verdict: For readers who can handle hard themes and sometimes disturbing scenes, Dawn is a fascinating novel from one of the greatest sci-fi writers of all time. The world that Octavia Butler has created will keep the reader on the edge of their seat, anxious to read the next page.

Readers United Book Reviews | The Nix and The Case Against Sugar

Caroline Rispoli '20 returns with two reads that will change their readers’ outlooks not only on the subjects of the books but on their own lives as well.

The Nix by Nathan Hill

The life of Samuel can only be summed up in one word: complex. Written by Nathan Hill, The Nix is the story of a boy who grows into an unaccomplished writer addicted to video games, and his mother, who becomes the headline of every news source in the world. It is her, and the rocks that she throws at a Republican presidential candidate, that begins the journey through time in the novel as Samuel explores both her past and his own.

Abandoned, betrayed, but intrigued when he has the chance to find out why she abandoned him all those years ago, Samuel is given the opportunity to write about this mystery woman, whom he doesn’t know well enough to call his mother, the face of whom has been on replay across the country. Hill tells of his childhood as Samuel, a delicate boy who would cry at anything and immediately grabs the reader as he zips back into the present.

The stories seem unorganized, discombobulated even, but it is exactly this confusion that leaves the reader wanting more. The Nix itself is a ghost, a spirit that finds a person like Samuel and never seems to leave, a reminder that things go wrong and never fully recover.

Verdict: A must read; Nathan Hill captures his readers and doesn’t let them go. Readers will be thinking about The Nix long after they reach the final page.

The Case Against Sugar by Gary Taubes

Sugar is a drug. Or at least that’s what Gary Taubes writes in his book, The Case Against Sugar. For most, sugar may seem like no more than a flavoring that brings memories of childhood, but Taubes makes a new connection as he sets sugar’s destructive potential not only equivalent to cigarettes, but to modern diseases. As he snakes through the history of sugar, and the increasing demand for it, he highlights that this villain is hidden everywhere and in everything.

An investigative science and health journalist, Taubes delves deep into the facts through an insightful analysis of today’s sugar-infested world and the effects of its consumption. While the thought that everyone’s favorite food could be the one thing hurting them the most may be depressing, The Case Against Sugar is not merely an attack on the food industry of today. Rather, it is an informative, yet thought-provoking, book that enlightens readers on the subject of sugar. There is no hiding from the truth: sugar is a silent killer that eats away at you as you eat away at it.

Taubes’ intellect and intense knowledge of the subject are evident through his thorough synopsis of the world of sugar today, the harm it brings to the health of those who consume it, and the ever increasing demand for what is becoming the main ingredient of more and more foods.

Verdict: Informative yet interesting, The Case Against Sugar is not at all what you would expect. Highly recommend for those who enjoying sitting down with a good book in hand, ready to learn.

Readers United Book Reviews | Will Grayson, Will Grayson and All the Bright Places

Isabelle So '20 returns with two emotional and heartwarming stories told from the perspective of teenagers. 

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan offers not only humor, but also moments that we wish could happen to us in real life. These two authors have managed to incorporate little details like text messages to make the story come alive more realistically and energetically. On a side note, this book is indeed the first gay-themed book that has ended up on The New York Times children’s best-seller list.

The book is about two young adults, Will Grayson and Will Grayson and their completely different lives. However, on one cold night, in the least-expected part of Chicago, they meet. Two completely pre-occupied kids running from their own struggles find themselves gearing their futures towards completely unexpected paths. They end up creating the most wonderful musical on the high school stage. Throughout the book, John Green and David Levithan create characters that break social norms. For instance, Tiny Cooper is football player that is "the world's largest person who is really, really gay". The narrative of the story is not only humorous, but also full of compassion, love, and support. 

This book didn’t have an extremely adventurous plot, but though it did have a simple theme, the authors have created a scenario that is sensitive and heartwarming. Even though the two perspectives are completely different, there is still that connection between the two that interlaces their stories in a creative and interesting way. The slow-pacing made the whole story come alive. This book truly made me feel as if the two Will Graysons were telling the stories themselves.

Verdict: I would recommend Will Grayson, Will Grayson to anyone interested in a story that is both humorous and heartfelt. Readers should be aware that there is a fair bit of foul language and some intimate/sensitive topics. 

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven is a heart-throbbing, unflinching kind of love story. This book kept me at the edge of my seat the entire time. The author created scenarios from both perspectives to keep the reader excited, terrified, and saddened all at the same time.

Like Will Grayson, Will Grayson, this book is told from the perspectives of two teenagers, Theodore Finch and Violet Markey. They live two completely different lives, and, though this is a love story, refreshingly, they don’t meet in some restaurant, ice skating rink, or any other cliché place. They first meet on the edge of a bell tower and, though they’re both running from different issues, they somehow always wind up together. But, tragically, as Violet Markey starts to enjoy life and stop counting the days until her death, Theodore Finch begins to fade.  

This book is filled with humor and tear-jerking moments. It may seem cliché at times, but the way the characters are portrayed makes it special and different every time you re-read it.

Verdict: I would recommend All the Bright Places to teenagers that enjoy (somewhat cliché, but entertaining) love stories that have interesting twists. This book is amazing because it is told from both perspectives, and it really makes you reconsider what you say or do when you’re around other people. This book is emotional and likely to inspire tears, laughter, and even anger.