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"On Writing" by Stephen King

11/18/2013

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Title: On Writing
Author: Stephen King
# of pages: 291
Date published: 2000
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars 


Stephen King is arguably one of the most successful and popular writers of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, best known for his horror/science-fiction/fantasy novels and short stories. But people often forget that in order to land his books on the bestseller list, he knows quite a lot about writing itself. In his book On Writing, King remarks that at talks and signings, although people ask about the stories and the characters and his success, they rarely ask about the language, the writing, the craft.

On Writing is part memoir, part instruction, and part book list, all coming together to create a solid, entertaining, and ultimately very useful book about writing. King opens with a brief story of his life, from childhood to adulthood, and everything that made him the writer he is today. He makes sure to detail his struggles, which encourages us that even the most successful writers received rejection once, or more accurately, multiple times. The storytelling is engaging and funny, then seamlessly transitions into the instructional section. King breaks down different aspects of writing, focusing on writing fiction, his forte (although based on this book, one could argue that his non-fiction skills are just as impressive). King also discusses dialogue, description, back story, symbolism, and countless other writing techniques, in sections full of advice, humor, and encouragement.

Every aspiring writer, as well as those simply hoping to improve their grades in a creative writing class, should read On Writing. In addition to being helpful and inspiring, the book is, like so much of King’s fiction, well written, funny, and most importantly, a good story.



Review by Caitlin Mason, A&S '16

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"Everything is Illuminated" by Jonathan Safran Foer

4/27/2013

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Title: Everything is Illuminated    
Author: Jonathan Safran Foer    
Genre: General Fiction    
Pages: 276    
Date published: 2003
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Recommended: Yes


            After reading Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close last year (which is also an excellent book), Jonathan Safran Foer’s writing style intrigued me. While Everything is Illuminated is not in the exact same style per se, the tone has interesting similarities. 

            Everything is Illuminated is a unique and beautiful book that is initially confusing but ultimately fascinatingly touching. The story follows the protagonist, a young man named (like the author) Jonathan Safran Foer, who travels to Ukraine to find the woman who saved his grandfather from the Nazis. He hires a tour guide, Alex - a native Ukrainian who has not quite mastered the exact meaning of many words in the English language - and Alex’s grandfather. The book follows the story as it is happening from Alex’s point of view, contrasted with a revealing history written in Jonathan Safran Foer’s (the character’s) point of view, as well as letters from Alex to Jonathan. At the beginning the constant switching can be a bit confusing, yet once the reader understands where each piece is coming from the result is an incredible feat of storytelling that adds depth and emotion to the novel; as the story of Jonathan’s grandfather is discovered, the story of Alex and his grandfather is also revealed.

           Everything is Illuminated delves into the idea of who people are, as well as how much work they put into how they want to be perceived by others. Though the book is very enjoyable, it is a bit heavy with mature content throughout, so it would likely not be suitable for younger readers or people who just want something fun and light. Yet for those who are looking for something different and interesting, Everything is Illuminated would be a wonderful option.


Review by Caitlin Mason, A&S '16


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Double Review! "The Casual Vacancy" by J.K. Rowling

1/28/2013

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Title: The Casual Vacancy
Author: J.K. Rowling
Genre: General Fiction
Number of Pages: 503
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars



*Scroll down to see the second review!

It was a big deal when J.K. Rowling announced that she had written another book, and more specifically, a book that wasn’t part of her established Harry Potter series. Expectations were very high given the fact that she had already written what is arguably the most popular book series in the world. Though people expected another fantasy novel, The Casual Vacancy is completely different from HP in so many ways, which is probably the most important thing all should realize before picking it up. If you start this book expecting spells, Hogwarts or Quidditch matches, you will end up disappointed. On the other hand, if you go into it with an open mind, the experience will render itself much more enjoyable.

The Casual Vacancy is a character-driven book that follows the lives of various citizens of a British town called Pagford. One of the members on the Pagford Council dies of a sudden brain aneurysm, which causes a great deal of sadness in the town. Even so, the sudden death leaves an open seat on the council, which, for many townspeople, presents an even larger dilemma. The book follows the lives of the characters – from young rebellious teenagers to snobby old-time Pagfordians – and even documents those citizens new to the town. The Casual Vacancy provides an entertaining story of character interaction, the daily struggle of life, and electoral issues present in today’s world.

Though the book is overall a good one, the characters are so plentiful that at the beginning it can be very difficult to keep track of them and the ways in which they are all related. As a result, immediate engagement is difficult to reach with this novel. However, once you know all the characters, everything suddenly becomes much more interesting. Another thing to bear in mind is that The Casual Vacancy is targeted towards adults, and possibly older teens, due to the mature and disturbing nature of some of Rowling’s major themes. Overall, fans of J.K. Rowling might like to see this new side of her writing, yet even those who were previously not fans of her previous works  might enjoy this take on the British middle class and its resultant society.

Review by Caitlin Mason, A&S '16



Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

When J.K. Rowling announced she was publishing a new book, Harry Potter fans everywhere rejoiced. However, The Casual Vacancy was not exactly what many Potterheads were hoping for. Rowling completely changed genres – going from fantasy to reality. Many of the same people who enjoyed Harry Potter may not like this book, just because it is not the same genre. But there are certainly exceptions to the rule. I am a huge Harry Potter fan and I loved The Casual Vacancy. It is the perfect book for the Harry Potter fans that have completed their adolescence and are ready to experience a more mature novel. The book got a lot of hate because it is just not Harry Potter; it is completely different. J.K. Rowling tackled something close to home, as Casual Vacancy in some ways is almost an expose on how she herself was brought up.

The Casual Vacancy takes place in a tiny English town called Pagford. The plot revolves around the death of Barry Fairbrother and the townspeople’s search for a candidate to take over his position on the town council. Although there are a lot of characters, J.K. Rowling does a good job of fully developing her cast. All the characters have a connection to someone running for council, which allows the reader to see why each candidate potentially deserves the position from all perspectives. These characters are three-dimensional; they have flaws and are not always very likable, but this makes them even more complex, real, and relatable. The book recounts each character’s struggles with family, school, and teenage rebellion – even romance. Rowling also tackles serious issues like drug and child abuse.

At first the book was difficult to get into; the beginning was slow and mostly consisted of introducing all the characters. Once I got into it, the last 300 pages or so went very quickly. I enjoyed getting the insight to how small town governments in England work as it is very different from America. I loved the classic Rowling style – she doesn’t fail to integrate her humor within the pages. Some readers have complained about the vulgar language in this book, which is probably the reason it is tagged as “J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults,” but that language is an effective way to portray real life and the culture of the characters.

As she did with the Harry Potter series, Rowling triggers emotions and knows how to open up a reader’s heart to otherwise unlovable characters. I definitely recommend this brilliant book and I am looking forward to whatever other worlds Rowling has up her creative sleeve.



Review by Colleen Brady, A&S '16
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"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky

11/20/2012

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Title: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Author: Stephen Chbosky
Genre: General Fiction / Romance
Number of Pages: 225
Date Published: February 1999

*This is special double review - the rating and recommendations from the reviews appear alongside their individual reviews


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Recommended: Yes

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a book narrated in letters by Charlie, a freshman in high school. The book opens with Charlie’s first day of high school, as he reflects back on his best friend’s suicide in middle school and his favorite aunt’s death. Charlie is an innocent narrator, which makes the book very intriguing because it feels as though the reader is  going through his experiences for the first time as well. Charlie encounters serious issues in high school detailing both family and friendship; sexual abuse and abusive relationships; first love and sexuality; drugs and alcohol; and depression. These real issues and situations are presented in such a way that readers can easily relate to them. Also, the characters are diverse enough that every reader can find someone to identify with.

I read this book in my sophomore year of high school, again my senior year, and I recently opened the binding a third time at the beginning of this year (my freshman year). It is amazing how this book continues to be relevant even though it is told from the perspective of a high school freshman in the ’90s. In fact, the issues it touches on are so universal that I argue it’s impact could be eternally significant. The book is well written with deep, quotable sentences on each page.

It did not take me long to read The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Since it was composed of letters, the chapters were short and left me wondering what would come next. I really love this book.  It made me think a lot about life, happiness, and what it means to be human. It also opened my eyes to what some people have to go through. I was able to relate to some of Charlie’s experiences; he is a very real  and complex character who I wish I could meet and have a conversation with.  The book was a roller coaster of feelings – at times I laughed, and sometimes I even cried. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is one of those books I feel everyone must read. John Green nicely sums up my feelings about it: “Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.” – The Fault in Our Stars. So stop reading this review and pick up The Perks of Being a Wallflower. (And watch the film after – it is a great complement to the book!)

Review by Colleen Brady, A&S '16


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Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Recommended: Yes

Making it through high school is difficult. Among the angst-ridden issues are ever-changing friends, a persistent search for your true identity, a multitude of crushes or lackluster relationships, and way too much meaningless homework, growing up as a teenager can be a bit overwhelming. Yet what is arguably more difficult is finding a book that manages to accurately reflect the emotions and the reality  so many teenagers encounter. Perks of Being a Wallflower  manages to do this beautifully, and surprisingly in a meaningful manner. The story is revealed in the form of letters, which the protagonist, Charlie, a freshman in high school, writes to a mysterious “friend.” In the letters, Charlie discusses all aspects of his life, detailing his weeks much like in a diary. The letters follow Charlie’s life, from the constantly developing relationships with his family, his classmates, and his friends, and all of the crazy and ordinary things they do together. The letters provide an interesting insight into Charlie’s mind, as he writes the questions and concerns about life that many people would not admit to thinking about. Charlie’s emotional journey is entertaining, funny, and moving, with a relatable cast of characters and moments that will make you laugh and cry. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is, essentially, a coming of age and very Catcher in the Rye type of novel that will entertain, but more importantly inspire as well.


Review by Caitlin Mason, A&S '16



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"The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green

10/23/2012

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Title: The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green
Genre: General Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Number of pages: 313
Date published: January 2012
Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)
Recommended? Yes


Oftentimes, young adult fiction is full of books that are pure entertainment: novels about teens and partying, high school romantic affairs, and, of course, an abundance of drama. What’s more rare is a teen novel with substance; a book with both an entertaining story and meaning. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is one of those unique stories. We get a look into the life of Hazel Lancaster, a 16-year-old girl with thyroid cancer, which has unfortunately spread into her lungs. Hazel is surviving and able to live her life to some extent, yet she realizes that her disease will soon finish her off.

While the book is told from the perspective of a cancer patient, it is not the typical “cancer novel.” Hazel attends a weekly support group, which she usually dreads, until she meets a 17-year-old osteosarcoma survivor named Augustus Waters. Hazel and Augustus immediately form a bond, growing close through their witty personalities, life experiences, and An Imperial Affliction, Hazel’s favorite book by Peter Van Houten.

The Fault in Our Stars is a beautiful, funny, heartwarming, and upsetting book that will leave readers laughing and crying in equal measure. The aftermath consists of thinking about life in a much deeper way. The characters are vivid, lifelike, and instantly relatable. Readers will form bonds with them, rejoicing in their triumphs and worrying along with them in the toughest moments. The language itself is easy to read and understand, yet it is simultaneously witty and elegant. Particularly special to The Fault in Our Stars is that it can be read for literary value as well as entertainment, containing many popular references and powerful meanings to uncover, as well as important life questions to consider. People of all ages, though particularly teens and young adults, will love this beautiful book, which will leave an enormous impact on whomever chooses to read it.

Review by Caitlin Mason, A&S '16


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