REVIEWbyU - Slam, by Nick Hornby

About the books reader Sirani has given 3 stars to Nick Hornby's Slam. Here's what else she had to say:

Slam by Nick Hornby was an intriguing perspective of a teen. In this story, Alicia and Sam have an unlikely friendship/relationship but become good friends after a while. Their relationship is pretty intense and as Sam becomes a teen father is realistic. Alicia still wants and loves her baby, Roof but Sam doesn't. Sam learns that there is more to life than being a skater and Tony Hawk fan. Sam has difficulty accepting Alicia's pregnancy and birth. Alicia senses fear for Sam as he dreams about the past, and doesn't bother with the present things happening, like he had Alzheimers. Before, he had a good memory. Skating and Tony Hawk and friends who hung out at the Skate Park only mattered to him. Learning the reality of life gives an indication about what the boy is thinking. I rated this book 3 stars because I thought it was good in a way, but it's not a fun book!


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REVIEWbyU - The hunger games, by Suzanne Collins

About the Books reader Riprider has given 5 stars to The hunger games by Suzanne Collins. Here is Riprider's full review:

Every year there’s the Reaping. Every year there’s the Games. Every year there’s only one survivor. Every year there’s only one rule: Kill or be Killed.

Katniss Everdeen is a struggling teenager living in Panem. The nation of Panem consists of The Capitol and 12 surrounding poorer districts. Each year the Reaping occurs, and two tributes from each district are picked to compete in The Hunger Games as punishment for earlier rebellion. This year, Katniss swaps positions with her sister who was picked, and travels with her other district competitor to fight to the death in the Games.

This book is fast paced and full of action and adventure. The story follows Katniss as she fights to live in the horrible reality TV show, The Hunger Games. 24 contestants are deserted in an arena with limited supplies, and must make do with their wits and skills to survive. The players must kill each other using weapons, strength, instinct, intelligence or even the environment around them. The setting is amazing, and the author includes great detail, making it seem as if you were actually in the Games fighting alongside Katniss.

This book is a fantastic action adventure, that would appeal to fans of books such as The Ranger’s Apprentice Series.



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Coraline, by Neil Gaiman

Coraline tells the story of a girl who moves home with her parents, over the summer holidays. Her parents work at home, but they don't have a lot of time for her, preferring that she leave them be and go explore on her own. She meets the neighbours, who insist on calling her ‘Caroline’. And she finds a locked door in her apartment!

The door seems to go nowhere, but somehow it does in fact lead to the 'other' apartment, where Coraline meets the ‘other’ neighbours and her ‘other’ mother and father. Just like her real parents, but with buttons for eyes! They have been waiting for her, and it seems like this whole world is set up just for Coraline!

She could stay there forever, but of course, she would have to have buttons sewn into her eyes... suddenly the fun new world is sinister and having everything you ever dreamed of becomes a nightmare…

The novel was originally published in 2002 and the graphic novel was released in 2008. The novel is great, but the graphic novel is even better!

Jo

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Edsel Grizzler book 1: Voyage to Verdada, by James Roy

Edsel Grizzler lives a bland life in a bland street with over protective parents he can't stand. They won't let him do anything fun, worried that everything is too dangerous. But when Edsel finds himself transported to Verdada, a strange world in another dimension, his life is changed. For a start, there are no adults telling the kids what to do. They do a small amount of work each day and can then do whatever they like. Surfing, skateboarding, computer games. You name it. Plus, an endless supply of every delicious food you could imagine.

It sounds perfect right? It would seem that way on the surface, but as Edsel spends more time there he begins to have his doubts about how perfect it really is. Along with his new friends Edsel starts to investigate and ask questions, but may just cause more trouble than he hoped for.

Voyage to Verdada is the first of the new Edsel Grizzler series by James Roy. Edsel is a likeable character and the book is a fun read. The world of Verdada is an intriguing place and it's true nature will keep you guessing. The book also includes a sneak peek at book 2 which has me keen to see where the story goes next.

Jonathan @Ashburton

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Ranger's Apprentice book 9: Halt's peril - Sneak peek

Are you a fan of John Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice series?

Did you know that book 9, called Halt's peril is coming out soon?

Would you like to get a little taste of the book before it comes out?

If so, then you should head point your browser here.

At the time of writing this post we don't have it at the library, so keep checking the catalogue. It will be up there as soon as we get it.

Personally, I am yet to read any of the Ranger's Apprentice books, but everyone I speak to says they are great. What do you think, should I start reading them?

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

REVIEWbyU - The bad book, by Andy Griffiths

Abouthebooks reader Boma has this to say about Andy Griffith's The bad book:

The Bad Book is a hilarious book full of funny rhymes and stories. Probably by the end of it you would have wet yourself with laughter!!!! A great book for all age groups from 6-12. My favourite is Somewhere less spikey. And Pirates, Trucks, Bombs, And Sharks.

I think you should read this book if you have a sense of humour.

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REVIEWbyU - Welcome to Camden falls, by Ann M. Martin

This is what aboutthebooks reader Buzzie thought of Welcome to Camden falls by Ann M. Martin:

12 year old Flora and her sister Ruby (10) are forced to go with the lovely Grandmother Min because their parents have died in a car crash. The girls are so upset of course they will never get over it. When they get to Camden Falls they meet Olivia and Nicki who is too shy to speak at first! Those four girls have loads of fun together and also there are mysteries to be told.

I REALLY enjoyed this book and for all the people reading this you should totally read it. One of the best books I have read.


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