Teen

Lord of the Flies – By William Golding

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , , 1 Comment

Hey Jared,

With the recent discussions about the possibility of an all-female movie based on this book, I figured I should actually read it. Other than a couple of excerpts I somehow managed to make it through school without sampling this little bit of twisted horror.

lotf2.pngTitle: Lord of the Flies
Author: William Golding
Genre: Fiction, Survival,
Audience: Teen
ROTS Setting: Deserted island, Survival, Social Commentary
Synopsis: When a plane crashes on a remote island, a small group of schoolboys are the sole survivors. From the prophetic Simon and virtuous Ralph to the lovable Piggy and brutish Jack, each of the boys attempts to establish control as the reality – and brutal savagery – of their situation sets in. The boys’ struggle to find a way of existing in a community with no fixed boundaries invites readers to evaluate the concepts involved in social and political constructs and moral frameworks. Ideas of community, leadership, and the rule of law are called into question as the reader has to consider who has a right to power, why, and what the consequences of the acquisition of power may be.
Recommendation: Recommended for teens. Violence and murder. Reader discretion is advised.

–  – Spoilers – –

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Lord of the Flies – By William Golding

Remnants Series – Book 2: Destination Unknown – By K. A. Applegate

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , 2 Comments

Hello Jared,

This series has take a drastic turn and I’m glad that I was able to read both the first and second books at the same time. I would suggest that everyone else does too.

destinationunknownTitle: Destination Unknown
Series: Remnants; Book 2
Author: K. A. Applegate
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Teen
ROTS Setting: CU, Modern, Apocalyptic, Space Travel, Aliens
Synopsis: When the world ended, there was the Eighty. Eighty people given the chance for survival. Given the chance to board a revamped space shuttle programmed to find them a new place to live. Somewhere to start over after an asteroid had destroyed the entire human race. Now, after a five-hundred-year “nap,” the Eighty have landed—but not everyone survived the trip. And some of those who did aren’t quite right. Actually, there are a lot of things that aren’t quite right—especially about the place the Eighty land. Half the terrain looks as if it’s been made of bright, crazy brush-strokes, the other is like a haunting black-and-white photograph. Jobs, 2Face, Mo’Steel, and the others don’t know if they’re on another planet. If they’re dreaming. Or if they are alive at all. But if they are alive, can they survive on this strange, new world…?
Recommendation: This book and series are In Dispute. Meaning there are equal reasons for and against recommending it. I would also say that this may be targeting a slight older audience that it may appear.

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Remnants Series – Book 2: Destination Unknown – By K. A. Applegate

Hunger Games Series- Book 1: The Hunger Games – By Suzanne Collins

Jared, , , , 2 Comments

Hey Robert,

So this is my first review in awhile. I have a bunch more to write and share with you. I’m kinda surprised that I am reviewing this first. But whatever.

Title: Hunger Games41bOj-am1RL
Series: Hunger Games: Book 1
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Sci-Fi, Young adult,
Audience: Teens
ROTS Setting: Alternate Future, Dystopian
Synopsis: The nation of Panem, formed from a post-apocalyptic North America, is a country that consists of a wealthy Capitol region surrounded by 12 poorer districts. Early in its history, a rebellion led by a 13th district against the Capitol resulted in its destruction and the creation of an annual televised event known as the Hunger Games. In punishment, and as a reminder of the power and grace of the Capitol, each district must yield one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 through a lottery system to participate in the games. The ‘tributes’ are chosen during the annual Reaping and are forced to fight to the death, leaving only one survivor to claim victory. When 16-year-old Katniss’s young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12’s female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives. , she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature. (taken from Goodreads)
Recommendation: I have been really down on the Hunger Games since the movies came out and the hype followed. But I actually kinda liked it. So yes, recommended.

This is one of the most well known bits of media in the last ten years. I assume everyone knows the plot, characters, and setting. So spoilers.

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Hunger Games Series- Book 1: The Hunger Games – By Suzanne Collins

Remnants Series – Book 1: The Mayflower Project – By K. A. Applegate

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , Leave a comment

Hiya Jared,

With Katherine Applegate having such a pivotal place in my childhood I really wanted to read more of her work. Since this book and the sequel kindly showed up for me to take them home, I obliged.

themayflowerprojectTitle: The Mayflower Project
Series: Remnants; Book 1
Author: K. A. Applegate
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Teen
ROTS Setting: CU, Modern, Apocalyptic, Space Travel
Synopsis: It’s 2011. An asteroid is on a collision course with the earth. And eighty people have been given the opportunity to survive. To leave the planet before the world ends. Jobs isn’t quite sure of what’s going on. Just that he and his family are a few of the lucky ones chosen to board a revamped space shuttle. A shuttle that will leave Earth just before the final impact. No one knows where they’re going. Or if they’ll make it there at all. Because there isn’t a lot of time for questions. And there are fewer answers.
Recommendation: This book and series are In Dispute. Meaning there are equal reasons for and against recommending it. I would also say that this may be targeting a slight older audience that it may appear.

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Remnants Series – Book 1: The Mayflower Project – By K. A. Applegate

Leven Thumps Series – Book 1: Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo – By Obert Skye

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , 1 Comment

Hey Jared,

I can’t remember if you were still around when Mom and Dad listen to this series. I just recall that they did and seemed to love it, so I was hopeful.

leventhumpsandthegatewaytofooTitle: Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo
Series: Leven Thumps; Book 1
Author: Obert Skye
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Teen
ROTS Setting: EU, Modern, Magic,
Synopsis: Fourteen-year-old Leven Thumps (a.k.a. “Lev”) lives a wretched life in Burnt Culvert, Oklahoma. But his life is about to change and his destiny be fulfilled as he learns about a secret gateway that bridges two worlds — the real world and Foo, a place created at the beginning of time in the folds of the mind that makes it possible for mankind to dream and hope, aspire and imagine. But Foo is in chaos, and three transplants from that dreamworld have been sent to retrieve Lev, who alone has the power to save Foo.
Recommendation: This book is recommended.

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Leven Thumps Series – Book 1: Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo – By Obert Skye

The Crossing – By Gary Paulsen

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , Leave a comment

Hello Jared,

I’m kicking off the Bookshelf Blitz with some good old Gary Paulsen.

thecrossingTitle: The Crossing
Author: Gary Paulsen
Genre: Fiction
Audience: Teen
ROTS Setting: CU, Mexico
Synopsis: 14yo Manny is an orphan in Juarez, Mexico. He competes with his bigger, meaner rivals for the coins American tourists throw off the bridge between Texas and his town. Across that heavily guarded bridge await a different world and a better existence.
On the night when Manny dares the crossing–through the muddy shallows of the Rio Grande, past the searchlights and the border patrol–the young man encounters an old stranger who could prove to be an ally or an enemy. Manny can’t tell for certain. But if he is to achieve his dream, then he must be willing to risk everything–even his life.
Recommendation: This book is recommended for teens.

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The Crossing – By Gary Paulsen

Tracker – By Gary Paulsen

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , Leave a comment

Hey Jared,

tracker.pngGoing to do this one in a different format and there will be spoilers ahead.

No……just, no. Stay away. Save yourself! What did I just read?! How is this even published? Mistakes were made, and the first was that I read this book. I can’t unread it! Make it go away……….

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Tracker – By Gary Paulsen

Dragons of Starlight – Book 1: Starlighter – By Bryan Davis

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , 1 Comment

Hey Jared,

I picked this up in an airport for something to read in flight. There wasn’t much to choose from and this was the best there. Both Lisa and I have read this and we agree that it’s an odd one. Somewhere between Middle-Grade and YA but lacking in the strengths of either one.

starlighterTitle: Starlighter
Series: Dragons of Starlight; Book 1
Author: Bryan Davis
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Teen/YA
ROTS Setting: UU, Magic, Dragons
Synopsis: Jason Masters doubted the myths that told of people taken through a portal to another realm and enslaved by dragons. But when he receives a cryptic message from his missing brother, he must uncover the truth and find the portal before it’s too late. At the same time, Koren, a slave in the dragons’ realm, discovers she has a gift that could either save or help doom her people. As Jason and Koren work to rescue the enslaved humans, a mystic prophecy surrounding a black egg may make all their efforts futile.
Recommendation: This book is recommended for teens.

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Dragons of Starlight – Book 1: Starlighter – By Bryan Davis

Book 1 – Carve the Mark – Veronica Roth

Jared, , 1 Comment

Hey Robert,

Since I read the Divergent series a few years ago and moderately enjoyed them I was intrigued enough to give Carve the Mark a try.

Title: Carve the Mark30117284
Series: Carve the Mark; Book 1
Author: Veronica Roth
Genre: Science Fantasy, Young adult, romance
Audience: Teen
ROTS Setting: AU, Space Travel,
Synopsis:In a galaxy powered by the current, everyone has a gift.
Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power — something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.
Akos is the son of a farmer and an oracle from the frozen nation-planet of Thuvhe. Protected by his unusual currentgift, Akos is generous in spirit, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get this brother out alive — no matter what the cost.
The Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, and the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. Will they help each other to survive, or will they destroy one another? (summary from Goodreads)
Recommendation: Teens would really like this book. Not a bad book just not that great either.

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Book 1 – Carve the Mark – Veronica Roth