Frankenstein (or a Modern Prometheus) by Mary Shelley Classic Horror Suspense Thriller Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Frankenstein. The name echoes throughout all of literature, and has taken over the cinematic world as well, ever since an 18 year-old girl named Mary Shelley decided to write a book. She and her friends proposed a writing contest, but only two of them (Mary included) finished the challenge. Mary’s book was by far … Read more
Anne of Greenville by Mariko Tamaki Realistic Fiction (modern retelling of Anne of Green Gables) * * * Stars (Pretty good) Anne and her two moms (Lucy & Millie) move to small town Greenville when Lucy gets what she hopes will be her dream job at the local high school (assistant principal). Unfortunately, a lot of the people in Greenville are small-minded and they object to newcomers of any stripe. Some are particularly vehement and … Read more
All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot Autobiography Biography Classics Funny Nonfiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Follows James Herriot’s adventures as a newly qualified vet working under his slightly more experienced senior vet in the boonies of Yorkshire, where he meets a variety of memorable farmers and pet owners and falls in love with the people and the land. Follows his first couple of years working for the practice. Homey, hilarious and … Read more
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain Adventure Classic Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” is about a young boy and an African American slave who escape town to the free states. Along the way they face many obstacles such as prejudice against color. Although this book has an older style of writing, I enjoyed it very much. I liked reading the various forms of … Read more
The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells Classic Mystery Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) “The Invisible Man” is about a man, well, an invisible man, who comes to a country village in a heavy snow storm. People start to suspect this man and want to know why he wears bandages. Some say he’s a killer who is wanted by the police. Once he shows himself, the people get frightened and once the … Read more
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo Adventure Classic Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Romance Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) An unforgettable classic that illustrates forgiveness, love, and betrayal. Ex-convict Jean Valjean influences the lives of many as the notorious war rages on. He learns the values of life and love and what it truly means to be forgiven and to love.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens Classic Realistic Fiction Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) One of the most acclaimed and notable works of Dickens. Follows the story of a young boy who meets three people who influence the rest of his life. Consequently, Pip learns the results of his choices, and learns the heights of his expectations. Pip learns in the most curious ways what the meaning of being a true gentleman is.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Shakespeare Classic Drama Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) A young girl’s father wants her to marry one man, but she loves another. She runs away into the woods with her love. A fairy’s servant messes with their love and soon the girl’s love hates her and loves the girl’s friend. As the story continues there are many fights, but all is righted in the end.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Classic Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) This is the famous fictional story of Scout Finch, a young girl living in the 1900s. Scout must decide between her own morals and those of society on the issues of race and equality. I love this book very much. Harper Lee has created lovable characters you won’t forget. Her writing style made reading … Read more
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien Adventure Classic Fantasy Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Bilbo Baggins is a simple, unassuming, non-adventurous hobbit. His life is unexpectedly changed when he is whisked away by thirteen dwarves and a wizard called Gandalf. They run into many curious situations along the way, such as a quarrel with goblins, a gold-obsessed dragon, and a strange creature galled Gollum. In this event, Bilbo sets a precedent for … Read more