Book Review: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon

Booklist review

The hero of Haddon's debut novel is 15-year-old Christopher Boone, an autistic math genius who has just discovered the dead body of his neighbor's poodle, Wellington. Wellington was killed with a garden fork, and Christopher decides that, like his idol Sherlock Holmes, he's going to find the killer. Wellington's owner, Mrs. Shears, refuses to speak to Christopher about the matter, and his father tells him to stop investigating. But there is another mystery involving Christopher's mother, who died two years ago. So why does Siobhan, Christopher's social worker, react with surprise when Christopher mentions her death? And why does Christopher's father hate Mrs. Shears' estranged husband? The mystery of Wellington's death begins to unveil the answers to questions in his own life, and Christopher, who is unable to grasp even the most basic emotions, struggles with the reality of a startling deception. Narrated by the unusual and endearing Christopher, who alternates between analyzing mathematical equations and astronomy and contemplating the deaths of Wellington and his mother, the novel is both fresh and inventive. Kristine Huntley

My Review:

What a refreshing twist on a murder-mystery, as told through the mindset of a loveable, straightforward autistic boy. His style of deduction keeps readers wanting to uncover this mystery just as much as he does. I loved this book! It is a must-read for anyone who likes a bit of mystery, while at the same time reveals the unique thoughts and thinking processes of autistic minds.

Book Review: Life of Pi

The Life of Pi, by Yann Martel

From Library Journal
Named for a swimming pool in Paris the Piscine Molitor "Pi" Patel begins this extraordinary tale as a teenager in India, where his father is a zoo keeper. Deciding to immigrate to Canada, his father sells off most of the zoo animals, electing to bring a few along with the family on their voyage to their new home. But after only a few days out at sea, their rickety vessel encounters a storm. After crew members toss Pi overboard into one of the lifeboats, the ship capsizes. Not long after, to his horror, Pi is joined by Richard Parker, an acquaintance who manages to hoist himself onto the lifeboat from the roiling sea. You would think anyone in Pi's dire straits would welcome the company, but Richard Parker happens to be a 450-pound Bengal tiger. It is hard to imagine a fate more desperate than Pi's: "I was alone and orphaned, in the middle of the Pacific, hanging on to an oar, an adult tiger in front of me, sharks beneath me, a storm raging about me." At first Pi plots to kill Richard Parker. Then he becomes convinced that the tiger's survival is absolutely essential to his own. In this harrowing yet inspiring tale, Martel demonstrates skills so well honed that the story appears to tell itself without drawing attention to the writing. This second novel by the Spanish-born, award-winning author of Self, who now lives in Canada, is highly recommended for all fiction as well as animal and adventure collections. Edward Cone, New York

My Review:
You will want to stop everything just to keep reading this novel. The unique characters, events, and circumstances draw you in and keep you wanting to experience more of the adventure alongside them.
The autor's fluid writing style makes this novel a joy to read and savor. I reccommend this book to all high school students! It will always remain on my top pick lists.

THE NOTEBOOK Book Review

The Notebook was a popular movie that touched our hearts not too long ago, but did you know that it was a book first?!?! For those of you who like a touching love story that leaves you wanting to learn more about the characters, then this is the book for you! Some people believe that love at first sight is a myth and doesn't truly happen. Not Noah Calhoun. Noah knew from the moment he laid eyes on Allie that summer, that she was the one and only. It would take a while longer for Allie to figure out her true feelings for Noah. What will happen when Allie returns to her hometown at the end of the summer? What would become of this relationship and would true love really prevail or is that just a myth?
To find out, read The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (FIC SPA- WGHS Library)



What I think:
I loved this book and whipped through it very quickly! It is a touching story that pulls at your heart strings and leaves you wanting more. As you read it you feel like you know the characters and it makes the story more real. It is a book that leaves even the non-believers of true love cheering!

A good pick for those who like...coming of age stories, love stories, a quick read, classic tales.

Mrs. Myers