Teen and Staff Reviews

Teen Review
Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

Stalking Jack the Ripper

By Kerri Maniscalco
Star Rating
★★★

Rated by
Safa Al
Feb 12, 2025

Everyone knows who Jack the Ripper is, but nobody ever figured out who he was. Stalking Jack the Ripper is a thrilling tale that answers that very question. It follows Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth who has a knack for the dead. She studies bodies with her uncle who is a doctor. A string of murders starts appearing in England and Audrey has no choice but to try to solve the mystery. With the help of her uncle's seemingly annoying assistant Thomas, they try to solve these murders. 

Teen Review
The Lost Sisters book cover

The Lost Sisters

By Holly Black
Star Rating
★★★

Rated by
Rishi
Feb 12, 2025

Taryn, Jude’s twin sisters, wants to tell Jude the story of how she fell for Locke. Locke fell in love with Taryn first. But he also used Jude and played her, justifying his actions by saying it was all for Taryn. However, Taryn knew all about this and did not inform Jude. Jude learns about this later and feels betrayed by her twin sister. Taryn tries to explain herself through this story. Taryn describes how Locke threw stones at her window, took her out on late night adventures, and promised to marry her and love her. In the end, Taryn and Jude are still tense with each other.

Teen Review
Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

Girl in Pieces

By Kathleen Glasgow
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Anonymous
Feb 12, 2025

Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow is a deeply emotional realistic fiction novel that follows the life of Charlie Davis, a 17-year-old girl struggling to rebuild her life after experiencing severe trauma and loss. I have read this book over and over again, wishing I could experience the emotional roller coaster of reading it for the first time.

Teen Review
1984 book cover

1984

By George Orwell
Star Rating
★★★

Rated by
anonymous
Feb 12, 2025

1984 by George Orwell is a dystopian novel about a man, Winston, who lives in a futuristic and totalitarian society controlled by the government called big brother. The book shows the dangers of government control and how hard it is to go against the government. In my opinion, I give this book three stars. This book taught me a lot about society nowadays and it was very intriguing to analyze the text as I was reading.

Teen Review
And the Mountains Echoed book cover

And the Mountains Echoed

By Khaled Hosseini
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Fathia R.
Feb 12, 2025

Khaled Hosseini’s And the Mountains Echoed is a profound exploration of familial bonds and the reverberating effects of choices across generations. Set against the diverse backdrop of Afghanistan and beyond, the novel intricately weaves together a tapestry of interconnected stories, each reflecting the enduring impact of love, sacrifice, and loss. The narrative begins with the heart-wrenching decision made by Saboor, a poor Afghan laborer, to sell his daughter, Pari, to a wealthy family in Kabul.

Teen Review
The Kite Runner book cover

The Kite Runner

By Khaled Hosseini
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Fathia R.
Feb 12, 2025

Khaled Hosseini's novel The Kite Runner masterfully explores themes of social injustice, betrayal, and the enduring quest for redemption. Through rich imagery and poignant foreshadowing, the story unfolds around Amir, a young boy growing up in a rigidly structured Afghan society. Amir's friendship with Hassan, who belongs to the marginalized Hazara community, is at the heart of the narrative.

Teen Review
A Thousand Splendid Suns book cover

A Thousand Splendid Suns

By Khaled Hosseini
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Fathia R.
Feb 12, 2025

Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns is a gripping narrative set against the tumultuous backdrop of Afghanistan's evolving political landscape. It follows the life of Mariam, an illegitimate child thrust into a patriarchal society, and her journey through love, oppression, and ultimately, moral reconciliation. Through the motif of motherhood and the strength of female relationships, Hosseini beautifully illustrates the necessity of these bonds for survival in a male-dominated world.

Teen Review
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot book cover

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot

By Jeff Kinney
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Nirvaan M.
Feb 12, 2025

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot by Jeff Kinney is a book about Greg Heffley, a wimpy kid who wants to be a big shot in sports but doesn’t want to work to get there. However, this may be his time to shine because his school is hosting a Field Day! He tries to go to the gym with his dad, but his low knowledge of the gym gets him, and his dad kicked out. The big day finally comes, Field Day! Unfortunately, his team didn’t perform as well as he hoped.

Teen Review
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars

By John Green
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
anonymous
Feb 12, 2025

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is a young adult romance about two teenagers, Hazel and Augustus, who fall in love while dealing with cancer. Hazel is a survivor, and Augustus has his own health struggles. The book explores tough topics like illness and loss, but also showcases the beauty of life and love, even when it doesn't last long. I give this book four stars because it was a very emotional but satisfying read. This book made me empathize for Hazel and Augustus because of their unfortunate fate.

Teen Review
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

And Then There Were None

By Agatha Christie
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
anonymous
Feb 12, 2025

And Then They Were None is a classic mystery written by Agatha Christie. It surrounds the story of ten strangers who get invited to stay at a famous island called Soldier Island. After landing and settling into their house, they find out at dinner that they were all there because they were connected to past murders of people. This book highlighted themes of guilt, justice, and wealth. In my personal opinion, I enjoyed this book and would give it four stars.

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