Thirteen students participated in the Library’s Spring Reading Workshop during the first half of the semester. We read and discussed a book together (Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere, a family drama, social critique, and mystery all in one) and students read and reviewed of a second book of their choice. Excerpts from some student book reviews:
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. “Gladwell forces you to question your assumptions about the world around you, and how you interact with it. You can’t go more than a page without learning something new and interesting. The word ‘epidemic’ takes on a new meaning as you read The Tipping Point.”
EMP by Wilson Harp. “I thought EMP was a good read…The story was not action packed or a quick suspenseful read. It is more eventful and chronological in its approach to how a small town adapts to a solar flare wiping out all electricity and the relationship of the people during this new time of living.”
The Plague by Albert Camus. “The book is the basis of a very famous saying, ‘the plague bacillus neither dies nor disappears,’ as he makes a connection between the battle against the plague and the search for satisfaction in one’s life.”
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. “This book uniquely narrates Bilbo’s journey through a perspective which is similar to listening to a close friend recall a tremendous story. Characters within this novel include dwarves, wizards, dragons, goblins, elves, and other fictional beings which are sure to make a good tale. Overall, The Hobbit shows us the beauty of adventure and speaks to our own desires for exploration and discovery.”
The Lynching: The Epic Courtroom Battle that Brought Down the Klan by Laurence Leamer. “This book is mind-changing and gives you a perspective on the lives of black individuals, lawyers, and the white supremacists. It unveils the compelling truth and heartbreak of mankind and American history. This powerful book is a reminder of the bigotry and hatred that existed back then, and the bigotry and hatred that still exists today.”
The Martian by Andy Weir. The main character’s “narration makes the book worth reading, as had he not responded to stress with humor the novel would have been unbearably depressing. His plight is unrelatable, no one has ever been stranded on an alien planet, but his optimism, humor, and the fact that he makes enough mistakes to be realistic make his character relatable.”
The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo. “This book is for everyone and especially for young people who look for the purpose of life.”
What Do You Want to Do Before You Die? By The Buried Life. “This book can be read many times over again. Every time I open it up, it feels like a new bright day is waiting ahead. It makes me feel like I have to start crossing things out on my bucket list as well. ”
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena. The author “does a really good job conveying the emotions and actions of her characters, they feel like people you would know and yet at the same time like complete strangers. While the ending is completely different than what is expected, rereading the beginning gives many clues to the unexpected final outcome. This book was amazing.”