Title:Harry
Potter and the Order of the Phoenix [adult
edition] Author:J.K. Rowling Genre:Mystery/Fantasy
Fiction Publisher:Raincoast Books ISBN #: 1551926431 Pages: 768 My Rating Out of
10 Stars: 7 Why
Recommend?I am a new Harry
Potter fan, since I only started reading
the first book in the series when this 5th
installment was already out. Harry
Potter and the Goblet of Fire is my
favourite in the series so far.
Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed
with the 5th installment, even though I
had high hopes before it was published
that it could be the best one yet. Many
readers of all ages have applauded J.K.
Rowling on this one, but for me, it left
something to be desired. Yes, Harry,
Hermione, and Ron are all older now and
are 'growing up'...but I found the
redundant phrase "SHUT UP!"
used far too often than it needed to be.
I'm not prudish, but for words to be
effective and meaningful, they shouldn't
be used dozens of times. J.K. Rowling (literary
genius as she is) could have used other
appropriate choice phrases that would
convey the same rage and anger. The story
began slow in Little Whinging and
throughout Harry's court hearing. For me,
the story only picked up the pace in the
last 150 pages. I didn't care for the new
character, Professor Umbridge (a strict-no-fun-no-games-all-rules
type of person), but I am amused by Luna
Lovegood (who is quirky, unpredictable,
and full of spunk.) As for the character
who dies -- don't worry, I won't say who
it is -- wasn't my favourite character,
so I didn't shed a tear. Besides, I still
have a feeling that the character who
dies will somehow come back. As usual, I
enjoyed the typical ending where Harry
has a meaningful talk with Dumbledore (who
speaks the 'wisdom of an old man'...hehe.)
This case was no exception. Overall, it
was a good read and worth the wait, but I
expected more action. Now, if only Book 6
(Harry Potter and the Half Blood
Prince) could hurry and get
published fast. I can hardly wait for the
next installment (Gotta admire J.K.
Rowling!) Oh and to clarify any potential
confusion, the adult edition contains
exactly the same text as the children's
version (the yellow cover with the yellow
phoenix). The only difference is the
cover art. I bought this adult edition
because they are more rare and because I
liked how the words "HARRY POTTER"
are raised and are in shiny gold.
Title:The
Diary of a Young Girl [the definitive
edition] Author:Anne Frank Genre:Non-Fiction (diary
format) Publisher:Bantam ISBN #: 0553577123 Pages: 352 My Rating Out of
10 Stars: 9.5 Why
Recommend?I will admit that
I only started reading this because I
recall that when I was in elementary
school, my brother's best friend told him
that I'm like Anne Frank. Strangely
enough, I never got to ask him exactly
what that meant. After reading the diary,
I am going to take that as a compliment.
In my eyes, Anne Frank was not only a
young Jewish teenager hiding from the
Germans during the Second World War, but
an optimistic, creative, literary,
intelligent individual with a maturity
well beyond her years. I usually dislike
reading about war (of any kind), however,
I am always intrigued with diaries. This
interesting combination gave me greater
insight into the horrors that were
carried out in the early 1940s. What was
more interesting to me though, was that
through it all, Anne Frank occupied
herself with many things, read a lot of
books, wrote a lot in her diary, was
honest (and brutually honest) to everyone,
and was a deep thinker. She questioned
everything around her and noted the
pecularities and contradictions that came
her way, often added her own humourous
touch to her recollections. She's like
every teenager, but then there's also
something special about her that sets her
apart. I can't put my finger on it, but
her diary was so well written that you
couldn't read it and not admire her --
not only for her honesty, but for her
courage in dangerous times, her free
thinking, her mature disposition, and the
way she makes you feel so grateful for
having everything that you do. While it
was written long ago, it surely isn't
outdated. The feelings are the same and
she captures the beautiful essence of the
human spirit with her candor and her wit.
Title:Go
Ask Alice Author:Anonymous Genre:Non-Fiction (diary
format) Publisher:Simon &
Schuster ISBN #: 0689817851 Pages: 192 My Rating Out of
10 Stars: 8 Why
Recommend?This
is an eerie look into the life of a
teenaged female drug addict. You will cry
with her as she realizes her mistakes in
life and what she has sacrificed due to
the consequences of her actions. You will
smile with her when she is optimistic as
to what the future holds for her. This is
a real diary written by a real girl who
lived a tragic life. Nowhere within these
pages does it tell addicts how to
overcome their struggles, habits, or
lifestyles. It is written without the
usual 'preaching' many addicts are used
to hearing (the kind that goes through
one ear and out the other). For this
reason, whether you're a drug addict,
former addict, or if you've never touched
drugs, this book sheds insight (sometimes
horrific insight) into what goes through
the minds of those who suffer and
struggle to help themselves. This is a
real page turner and I think it is
suitable for readers as young as 12.
Although 9 year olds will be able to read
it with ease, the content is mature,
graphic, and dark. This diary effectively
gets the message out that addicts are
real people -- like you and like me...they
just need support, love, and a feeling
that they belong. It will give you a
greater respect for those who live this
kind of lifestyle and perhaps it will
break through the hardened stereotypes of
drug addicts as being hopeless and no
good. We need to understand the
psychology behind their actions, thoughts,
and feelings and perhaps when we learn to
treat them as individuals instead of case
studies or stigmatized people, only then
will we be one step closer to helping
them and even better, preventing such
destructive habits from beginning.
Title:Frankenstein Author:Mary Shelley Editors:D.L. MacDonald
& Kathleen Scherf Genre:Fiction Publisher:Broadview Press
Ltd. ISBN #: 1551113082 Pages: 364 My Rating Out of
10 Stars: 10 Why
Recommend?This book is the
original 1818 text. It is deep,
intellectually stimulating, and was
written by a 19-year-old who had a tragic
life. This version of the book includes
critiques and information about the
author and her family/educational
background. I was introduced to this book
while studying for a course in university.
I didn't think that I'd like it, because
I used to think that Frankenstein was
nothing much more than the Hallowe'en
costumes. I was pleasantly wrong. Victor
Frankenstein is the monster's creator.
The monster itself is never given a name
and is only referred to in the text as
the "Monster" or the "Creature."
This literature provokes much thought and
I love how it makes seamless references
to other great works, such as Paradise
Lost and The Rime of the Ancient
Mariner (the latter is my favourite
poem ever). This is a great read. Once I
started, I couldn't put it down. It's
filled with happiness, depression,
philosophy, adventure, emotion, heartache,
sorrow, and intrigue. This is my absolute-hands-down-no-question-about-it
favourite book and trust me, I've read a
lot of books!!! Warning: This book is not
for a person who wants to scan the text
or have an easy read. You have to absorb
this book fully, word by word and read
its entirety to get the jist of its
impact. You won't be disappointed and
what's more, this book only cost me
roughly $10 Canadian! It's so inexpensive
and this classic won't collect dust on
your shelf because you'll constantly be
reading and re-reading it, each time,
getting more from the tale.
Title:Anne
of Green Gables [special collector's
edition] Author:L.M. Montgomery Genre:Fiction Publisher:Seal ISBN #: 0770422055 Pages: 320 My Rating Out of
10 Stars: 8.5 Why
Recommend?Anne Shirley, the
main character, is a red-haired orphan
who is spunky, hasty, stubborn,
flambuoyant, witty, talkative,
competitive and a true kindred spirit.
She finds herself living on Prince Edward
Island with two old people (Marilla and
Matthew Cuthbert). As she attends school,
makes friends, and catches the eye of the
dashing Gilbert Blythe, she remains true
to herself and the people around her can
only fall in love with her. I was first
introduced to this story when I was in
Grade 3 and she was and still is my
personal hero. Never willing to back down
without putting up a fight for what she
believes in, she is a positive feminist
character. Studious, academic-minded, and
an inspiring author, Anne had the brains
to achieve her dreams. Also, with her
vivid imagination (that often got the
better of her), her knack for getting
into mischief at every opportunity, and
her overly-exaggerated apologies and 'confessions',
she is so interesting! She brought the
little town of Avonlea to life and I will
admit that it was because of her that I
have a preference for natural redheads. *Smirk*
Anne is a character with a zest for life
and has an 'inner delight' as Ms. Brooke
would later note in Anne of Avonlea
(the 2nd book in the series). Through
Anne's character, you have higher ups and
lower downs. You feel her pain, her grief,
her worries, but you also laugh at her
silly antics, her non-stop chatter, her
melodramatics, and the way she just HATES
being called 'Carrots'..... L.M.
Montgomery has created a character that
seems very real and lively, innocent, and
lovable -- who will undoubtedly stand the
test of time for generations to come.
Title:Discoveries
and Opinions of Galileo Editor/Translator:Stillman Drake Genre:Non-Fiction Publisher:Anchor Books ISBN #: 0385092393 Pages:302 My Rating Out of
10 Stars: 7.5 Why
Recommend?Galileo, a famous
religious scientist faced a society that
was ruled by Copernican thought during
the Scientific Revolution. Galileo is
known for his important discoveries in
the realms of astronomy and gave a very
eloquent argument for why religion and
science don't contradict one another.
This book may sound dry from my little
blurb, but trust me, you will gain a
greater understanding and appreciation
for Galileo and his contributions. You
will also admire him for sticking to his
beliefs (which have been proven true),
even though at the time, he was tried in
court, thought to be professing/teaching
heretical content, and was later put
under house arrest (and many years later
went blind and died). I have so much
respect for this great man, this great
scientist, this great Catholic. The book
is sectioned off into the letters and
essays Galileo wrote on touchy subjects (well,
they were touchy at the time). Galileo is
so eloquent. Also, back then, scientists
did everything! Galileo (among other
famous scientists) was also an excellent
writer, artist, mathematician,
philosopher, and the whole caboodle! It
almost puts our society to shame because
we all have specialized careers. Back
then, people were so well rounded that it
boggles my mind! Impressive!
Title:Saint
Joan Author: Bernard
Shaw Genre:Historical
Fiction (Play format) Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd. ISBN #: 0140437916 Pages: 163 My Rating Out of
10 Stars: 9 Why
Recommend?Joan of Arc was a
young woman who was divinely inspired by
God. She defied all the female
stereotypes. Bernard Shaw (haha, no
relation to me) captured her charm and
rough edges with an eloquent and didactic
play. This is historical fiction, so
there may be some discrepancies between
Joan's life and her portrayal in this
play. Still though, it is quite close to
historical accounts. This play includes
an emphasis on religion, politics, and
one girl who put her life and reputation
on the line. You'll get a better
understanding of the strangling
Inquisition during Joan's time and how
brave and loyal Joan was to God. As a
Catholic, I get a lot out of this book
and no matter what religion you belong or
don't belong to, I'm sure that you'll
benefit from this literature. It's a
short read and definitely a worthwhile
one!
Title: Harry
Potter and the Order of the Phoenix [adult
edition]![Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix [adult edition] cover](BookCoverPics/HarryPotterOotP.jpg)
Why
Recommend?
I am a new Harry
Potter fan, since I only started reading
the first book in the series when this 5th
installment was already out. Harry
Potter and the Goblet of Fire is my
favourite in the series so far.
Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed
with the 5th installment, even though I
had high hopes before it was published
that it could be the best one yet. Many
readers of all ages have applauded J.K.
Rowling on this one, but for me, it left
something to be desired. Yes, Harry,
Hermione, and Ron are all older now and
are 'growing up'...but I found the
redundant phrase "SHUT UP!"
used far too often than it needed to be.
I'm not prudish, but for words to be
effective and meaningful, they shouldn't
be used dozens of times. J.K. Rowling (literary
genius as she is) could have used other
appropriate choice phrases that would
convey the same rage and anger. The story
began slow in Little Whinging and
throughout Harry's court hearing. For me,
the story only picked up the pace in the
last 150 pages. I didn't care for the new
character, Professor Umbridge (a strict-no-fun-no-games-all-rules
type of person), but I am amused by Luna
Lovegood (who is quirky, unpredictable,
and full of spunk.) As for the character
who dies -- don't worry, I won't say who
it is -- wasn't my favourite character,
so I didn't shed a tear. Besides, I still
have a feeling that the character who
dies will somehow come back. As usual, I
enjoyed the typical ending where Harry
has a meaningful talk with Dumbledore (who
speaks the 'wisdom of an old man'...hehe.)
This case was no exception. Overall, it
was a good read and worth the wait, but I
expected more action. Now, if only Book 6
(Harry Potter and the Half Blood
Prince) could hurry and get
published fast. I can hardly wait for the
next installment (Gotta admire J.K.
Rowling!) Oh and to clarify any potential
confusion, the adult edition contains
exactly the same text as the children's
version (the yellow cover with the yellow
phoenix). The only difference is the
cover art. I bought this adult edition
because they are more rare and because I
liked how the words "HARRY POTTER"
are raised and are in shiny gold.![The Diary of a Young Girl [the definitive edition] cover](BookCoverPics/AnneFrank.jpg)
Why
Recommend?
I will admit that
I only started reading this because I
recall that when I was in elementary
school, my brother's best friend told him
that I'm like Anne Frank. Strangely
enough, I never got to ask him exactly
what that meant. After reading the diary,
I am going to take that as a compliment.
In my eyes, Anne Frank was not only a
young Jewish teenager hiding from the
Germans during the Second World War, but
an optimistic, creative, literary,
intelligent individual with a maturity
well beyond her years. I usually dislike
reading about war (of any kind), however,
I am always intrigued with diaries. This
interesting combination gave me greater
insight into the horrors that were
carried out in the early 1940s. What was
more interesting to me though, was that
through it all, Anne Frank occupied
herself with many things, read a lot of
books, wrote a lot in her diary, was
honest (and brutually honest) to everyone,
and was a deep thinker. She questioned
everything around her and noted the
pecularities and contradictions that came
her way, often added her own humourous
touch to her recollections. She's like
every teenager, but then there's also
something special about her that sets her
apart. I can't put my finger on it, but
her diary was so well written that you
couldn't read it and not admire her --
not only for her honesty, but for her
courage in dangerous times, her free
thinking, her mature disposition, and the
way she makes you feel so grateful for
having everything that you do. While it
was written long ago, it surely isn't
outdated. The feelings are the same and
she captures the beautiful essence of the
human spirit with her candor and her wit.
Why
Recommend?
This
is an eerie look into the life of a
teenaged female drug addict. You will cry
with her as she realizes her mistakes in
life and what she has sacrificed due to
the consequences of her actions. You will
smile with her when she is optimistic as
to what the future holds for her. This is
a real diary written by a real girl who
lived a tragic life. Nowhere within these
pages does it tell addicts how to
overcome their struggles, habits, or
lifestyles. It is written without the
usual 'preaching' many addicts are used
to hearing (the kind that goes through
one ear and out the other). For this
reason, whether you're a drug addict,
former addict, or if you've never touched
drugs, this book sheds insight (sometimes
horrific insight) into what goes through
the minds of those who suffer and
struggle to help themselves. This is a
real page turner and I think it is
suitable for readers as young as 12.
Although 9 year olds will be able to read
it with ease, the content is mature,
graphic, and dark. This diary effectively
gets the message out that addicts are
real people -- like you and like me...they
just need support, love, and a feeling
that they belong. It will give you a
greater respect for those who live this
kind of lifestyle and perhaps it will
break through the hardened stereotypes of
drug addicts as being hopeless and no
good. We need to understand the
psychology behind their actions, thoughts,
and feelings and perhaps when we learn to
treat them as individuals instead of case
studies or stigmatized people, only then
will we be one step closer to helping
them and even better, preventing such
destructive habits from beginning.
Why
Recommend?
This book is the
original 1818 text. It is deep,
intellectually stimulating, and was
written by a 19-year-old who had a tragic
life. This version of the book includes
critiques and information about the
author and her family/educational
background. I was introduced to this book
while studying for a course in university.
I didn't think that I'd like it, because
I used to think that Frankenstein was
nothing much more than the Hallowe'en
costumes. I was pleasantly wrong. Victor
Frankenstein is the monster's creator.
The monster itself is never given a name
and is only referred to in the text as
the "Monster" or the "Creature."
This literature provokes much thought and
I love how it makes seamless references
to other great works, such as Paradise
Lost and The Rime of the Ancient
Mariner (the latter is my favourite
poem ever). This is a great read. Once I
started, I couldn't put it down. It's
filled with happiness, depression,
philosophy, adventure, emotion, heartache,
sorrow, and intrigue. This is my absolute-hands-down-no-question-about-it
favourite book and trust me, I've read a
lot of books!!! Warning: This book is not
for a person who wants to scan the text
or have an easy read. You have to absorb
this book fully, word by word and read
its entirety to get the jist of its
impact. You won't be disappointed and
what's more, this book only cost me
roughly $10 Canadian! It's so inexpensive
and this classic won't collect dust on
your shelf because you'll constantly be
reading and re-reading it, each time,
getting more from the tale.![Anne of Green Gables [special collector's edition] cover](BookCoverPics/AnneofGreenGables.jpg)
Why
Recommend?
Anne Shirley, the
main character, is a red-haired orphan
who is spunky, hasty, stubborn,
flambuoyant, witty, talkative,
competitive and a true kindred spirit.
She finds herself living on Prince Edward
Island with two old people (Marilla and
Matthew Cuthbert). As she attends school,
makes friends, and catches the eye of the
dashing Gilbert Blythe, she remains true
to herself and the people around her can
only fall in love with her. I was first
introduced to this story when I was in
Grade 3 and she was and still is my
personal hero. Never willing to back down
without putting up a fight for what she
believes in, she is a positive feminist
character. Studious, academic-minded, and
an inspiring author, Anne had the brains
to achieve her dreams. Also, with her
vivid imagination (that often got the
better of her), her knack for getting
into mischief at every opportunity, and
her overly-exaggerated apologies and 'confessions',
she is so interesting! She brought the
little town of Avonlea to life and I will
admit that it was because of her that I
have a preference for natural redheads. *Smirk*
Anne is a character with a zest for life
and has an 'inner delight' as Ms. Brooke
would later note in Anne of Avonlea
(the 2nd book in the series). Through
Anne's character, you have higher ups and
lower downs. You feel her pain, her grief,
her worries, but you also laugh at her
silly antics, her non-stop chatter, her
melodramatics, and the way she just HATES
being called 'Carrots'..... L.M.
Montgomery has created a character that
seems very real and lively, innocent, and
lovable -- who will undoubtedly stand the
test of time for generations to come.
Why
Recommend?
Galileo, a famous
religious scientist faced a society that
was ruled by Copernican thought during
the Scientific Revolution. Galileo is
known for his important discoveries in
the realms of astronomy and gave a very
eloquent argument for why religion and
science don't contradict one another.
This book may sound dry from my little
blurb, but trust me, you will gain a
greater understanding and appreciation
for Galileo and his contributions. You
will also admire him for sticking to his
beliefs (which have been proven true),
even though at the time, he was tried in
court, thought to be professing/teaching
heretical content, and was later put
under house arrest (and many years later
went blind and died). I have so much
respect for this great man, this great
scientist, this great Catholic. The book
is sectioned off into the letters and
essays Galileo wrote on touchy subjects (well,
they were touchy at the time). Galileo is
so eloquent. Also, back then, scientists
did everything! Galileo (among other
famous scientists) was also an excellent
writer, artist, mathematician,
philosopher, and the whole caboodle! It
almost puts our society to shame because
we all have specialized careers. Back
then, people were so well rounded that it
boggles my mind! Impressive!
Why
Recommend?
Joan of Arc was a
young woman who was divinely inspired by
God. She defied all the female
stereotypes. Bernard Shaw (haha, no
relation to me) captured her charm and
rough edges with an eloquent and didactic
play. This is historical fiction, so
there may be some discrepancies between
Joan's life and her portrayal in this
play. Still though, it is quite close to
historical accounts. This play includes
an emphasis on religion, politics, and
one girl who put her life and reputation
on the line. You'll get a better
understanding of the strangling
Inquisition during Joan's time and how
brave and loyal Joan was to God. As a
Catholic, I get a lot out of this book
and no matter what religion you belong or
don't belong to, I'm sure that you'll
benefit from this literature. It's a
short read and definitely a worthwhile
one!
