UN-Reality Check

So. Reality Check, by Peter Abrahams, not so much. Receiving 1.5 stars out of 5, book club members did not take to this story at all. I think it's safe to say it has been the least popular title thus far this year. Although nobody was quite able to articulate why they disliked the book so much, it seemed like a lot had to do with the predictability of the plot and the inability to connect with the characters. Oh well -- you win some, you lose some. That's why this month's choice will be such a welcome relief. Everybody is free to choose which book they'd like to read, as long as it was written by one of the 27 authors coming to Rochester for the Teen Book Festival. With lots of books to choose from, hopefully everyone will find one they like and feel encouraged to attend the festival on Saturday, May 15th.

Linger Awhile Longer...

It should come as no surprise, that when given a sappy, far-fetched romance novel, members of Book Club are going to eat it up. And that's exactly what they did with Shiver, by Maggie Stiefvater. This human-to-werewolf love story garnered praise, and almost 4 stars. Aside from its similarity to a book that shall remain unnamed, (but starts with a "T") members loved the intense passion between Sam and Grace. Who says humans and werewolves can't fall in love?

Next up? Reality Check, by Peter Abrahams. A fast-paced thriller, with mystery, twists, turns, and a little bit of a love affair thrown in. We've got Cody, a footballer from the wrong side of the tracks, and Clea, a princess in the white castle, trying to navigate a relationship through many obstacles. One of those obstacles, Clea's dad, ultimately ships her off to boarding school to keep the two apart. The mystery begins when Clea goes missing, and Cody takes on the role of detective, trying to piece together clues leading to her whereabouts. Discussion to be held on Monday, April 5, 2010.

Book #5

Finally... Book Club read a book that seemed to make everybody happy! North of Beautiful, by Justina Chen Headley, received 4.3 stars / 5 stars. Highest results, (and this month they weren't skewed by off-the-charts ratings!). Readers seemed to be in agreement that Terra, our main character, was super cool. Her boyfriend Jacob wasn't too bad, either. We hated Dad, and hoped for a divorce. We would like to try geo-caching. We would like to go to China. We loved the map analogies. And we are hopeful that things just keep getting better for Terra, even after the book ends.

As per usual, we're reading a love story for the month of February. Last year we read this book and it was super popular. This year, in keeping with what seems to be the latest trend in YA literature, we're reading a love story between humans and werewolves. Yes, supernatural love that's doomed to fail before it begins. What could be more romantic? So curl up with your honey, grab some chocolate to nibble on, put on soft music... and fall in love with Shiver, by Maggie Stiefvater.

Book #4

It's crunch time here at Irondequoit High School: mid-term exams and the completion of first semester barreling down quickly. The library has seen a flurry of activity, and students are working hard to complete their assignments. In the midst of the madness, Book Club met to discuss The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman. Reviews were favorable, with a grand 4.2 stars out of 5, (highest yet this year -- although I suspect the results were skewed by one member's 7 star designation!).

We're changing gears, once again, for the month of January. Time for a little realistic fiction, in the form of North of Beautiful, by Justina Chen Headley. While you're taking a break from studying, read Chen's romantic novel about self-discovery, self-confidence, and beauty. A perfect mid-winter getaway kind of book.

Book #3

Time is flying by, and we're already close to Holiday Recess! Book Club met for the third time this week, not only to finalize plans for a Holiday Party, but also to discuss Wake, by Lisa McMann. Members gave it 3.2 out of 5 stars, and a few even went on to read the sequel. Lots of the discussion revolved around dreams -- only natural, given the story -- and everyone seemed to have a lot of their own unique dream experiences. We talked about keeping dream journals, trying to control your dreams, recurring dreams, and dream sequels. All very interesting! On an aside, author Lisa McMann will be making an appearance here later on during the school year. Not to be missed!

Our book for December 2009 has been chosen, and it's the ever popular The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman. Discussion will be held when we return to school in 2010. Enjoy this macabre, fantastical tale on a snowy evening, curled up with hot cocoa, a blanket, and your wildest imagination.

Book #2

IHS Book Club continues on their quest to read one book per month and November's book was introduced at our most recent meeting. Book #1 in a trilogy, this was the second most voted for book. However, don't be fooled by first impressions, (or by covers!).

Impossible, by Nancy Werlin received only an average 2.1 stars out of 5 by book club members. Despite a promising description and intriguing cover art, most members felt this book fell short of expectations. Those that didn't like the book felt the characters were superficial and under developed, with a hard-to-imagine plot. The members who liked the book appreciated the fantasy realm within which the book took place. Most members agreed it would make a better movie than book. You be the judge: this book is available at the IHS library media center.

We will discuss Wake on Monday, December 7 in room #1068.

IHS Book Club Starts Again

The school year is well underway -- could it really have been Columbus Day already?? -- and Book Club has begun its seventh year at the high school! Things were a little different at our first meeting: the club members voted on which books they most want to read. The titles were all over the place, with a noticeable focus on mystery, fantasy, and realistic fiction. The book chosen for October received the most votes, so hopefully it will appeal to all and we'll have a great discussion on Monday, November 2nd.

If you didn't make it to the first meeting, you're still welcome to join Book Club. Meetings are afterschool on the first Monday of each month. Book Club meets in the library classroom #1068.