This dystopian novel keeps readers guessing throughout the whole book as it unfolds the life of Kathy who reminisces about her childhood at Hailsham Boarding School. Here, Kathy and her friends, Tom and Ruth, lead seemingly ordinary lives at the school. However, they gradually become aware of their purpose as clones made for organ donation. As they grow older, the kids confront the reality of their existence, seeking a “normal” life. This novel explores the ethical dilemmas surrounding cloning and organ harvesting, raising many questions about the value of life.
This mysterious book will leave you on the edge of your seat! Five high school students walk into detention, but only four make it out alive. When the outcast of the school, Simon, dies under mysterious conditions- his four classmates become suspects. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Simon was planning to reveal juicy secrets about each of them. Each student wants to clear their name and keep their secrets buried to protect their high school image. With conflicting motives and witnesses, it’s unclear who is truly innocent or lying.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding is a classic book with an interesting view of human nature. The story revolves around a group of British boys whose plane crashed and are stranded on a deserted island. These boys try to form their society in which one of the main characters, Ralph, is elected leader and rules using a set of rules and order. However, soon some boys become obsessed with power and hunting, leading them into savagery.
Thomas wakes up in a box with only his name in his memory. He discovers that he is in a “paradise” like world, with a bunch of other boys in a group called Gladers. They all live in the Glade, which is surrounded by a maze. In the maze are monsters called Grievers, bulbous creatures with spiky appendages designed to kill. The Gladers have all been trapped for two years, and Thomas might be their only key to escape the maze. When the first girl ever arrives in the Glade, and the Grievers start invading the Glade, Thomas and others lead the Gladers in a fight for freedom.
Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story, directed by Neil Blomkamp at Sony Productions, and starring Archie Madweke, Darren Barnet, Geri Halliwell, Djimon Hounsou, Orlando Bloom, and David Harbour, came to theaters on August 25, 2023 (Rotten Tomatoes). It provides insight on something many of the watchers cannot experience personally: racing professionally on a racetrack.
Summary: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a historical novel set during World War II, focusing on the lives of two French sisters, Vianne and Isabelle Rossignol. As the Nazis occupy France, Vianne is forced to endure the hardships and moral dilemmas of living under enemy rule while trying to protect her daughter. Meanwhile, the rebellious Isabelle joins the French Resistance, risking her life to save downed Allied airmen and undermine the German forces.
Thunderhead is the second book in the Scythe book series. This book specifically focuses on the Thunderhead, the big cloud-like technology that controls everything, and corruption within the Scythedom. Citra gleans using her compassionate methods and Rowan hunts down corrupt Scythes. Meanwhile, the Thunderhead is growing worried about the corruption, yet it can’t do anything about it due to its limitations.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is an amazing book that tackles themes of race, identity, and justice. The main character Starr Carter is a 16 year old African American girl who has two lives:her rich prep school and her poor neighborhood. For most of her life, they stayed separate, but it all changes when Starr’s friend Khalil is wrongfully shot by a police officer who presumed that Khalil pulling out a comb was Khalil pulling out a gun.
The Cruel Prince, a novel written by Holly Black, introduces us to the world of Faerie. Jude Duarte, our main character, is a mortal, along with her twin sister, living in a world of immortals. Jude wants nothing more than to prove herself and show that she can be their equal. She craves power and is very cunning. This book is full of plot twists, betrayal, and incredible world-building. Each character is complex and has secret ulterior motives.
Shatter Me, written by Tahereh Mafi, introduces the main character Juliette Ferrars. She is imprisoned for a power beyond her control. No one can touch her without feeling pain. When unexpectedly released, she must navigate a world different from the one before her imprisonment. Some want her for selfish gain and others wish only to help her. It is up to Juliete to decide who to follow and how to use her powers.
