Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6  Next -- Posted by SweeterThanChocolate at 11:28 pm on May 16, 2007 I want us to create a sticky in the Books & Reading Topic, which I want crammed with book reviews. Any book you have read and have really enjoyed, I want you to share it with others.   The information I need you to include is as follows: Jacket Photo: Book Title: Book Author: Genre: Quick Synopsis: What was right with it?: What was wrong with it?: Marks: ___ out of 10 Recommended Age Of Reader: Reviewed By: (include a link to your account, so that members can ask you questions about it, if they want to) The above information, includng a photo of the jacket, must be included in all reviews. I don't mind how many you write, but please can we have reviews worth reading. Anything substandard won't be published, and I will remove them.   The purpose of this will be to use as a resource if you're thinking of buying a new book, you could look at the Book Review sticky first, and see if anyone is suggesting it. ===================================== Example:   Book Title: Haunted Book Author: James Herbert Genre: Horror Quick Synopsis: It follows the story of a guy called David Ash, who specialises in the paranormal. He is called to this old, big house called Edbrook to try and solve the weird goings on in there What was right with it?: It's one of those books that you just can't put down. You are very cleverly convinced into believing you are David Ash, though through the book, you are given information that he wouldn't know. It's scary, and does everything that you would come to expect from James Herbert. What was wrong with it?: Compared to other books by Herbert, it's quite short. I felt that he could have taken some area's into more detail, and at times, you were practically begging him to. The horror is very graphic too, which although you expect, it possibly oversteps the mark sometimes Marks: 8 out of 10 Recommended Age Of Reader: Over 16, because of the horror content Reviewed By: Sarah SomeoneLoveMe   ===================================== So, get writing your reviews, and I will probably sticky this once we start getting a few reviews! An index of all the reviews so far can be found here. -- Posted by Rastafarian at 11:31 pm on May 16, 2007 I like this idea. I'm going to write a review on the book I'm reading now. What if I can get a picture of the jacket though? -- Posted by SweeterThanChocolate at 11:32 pm on May 16, 2007 Quote: from Rastafarian at 7:31 am on May 17, 2007 I like this idea. I'm going to write a review on the book I'm reading now. What if I can get a picture of the jacket though? Just let me know, and I will source one for you, and add it to your review -- Posted by Rastafarian at 11:44 pm on May 16, 2007 Book Title: 100 Ways America Is Screwing Up The World Book Author: John Tirman Genre: Essay Quick Synopsis: Really an interesting look, I think, at the American mindset and the backlash of their politics and society on the world stage, compacted in a nice 100. What was right with it?: It wasn't just a stuffy, written essay, it adds a touch of humour now and then. What is wrong with it?: Well, it is an essay... or rather 100 fairly short essays. This will detract from the popularity a lot I think, as a style of writing. Marks: 7 of 10 Recommended Age: 15, or 16, it's a fairly easy read, but the content needs you to know some basic american history. Reviewed by: Ross, Rastafarian -- Posted by SweeterThanChocolate at 3:57 am on May 18, 2007 Book Title: Summer Sisters Book Author: Judy Blume Genre: Young Adult / Older Teen Quick Synopsis: Another good example of where Judy Blume has ventured into the 'older' reader market. This book picks up the life of Vix, a typical teen in an American school - her family life is somewhat messed up, has a sibling with health problems, and is always being asked to help out, not that she minds. She is randomly asked by a girl called Caitlin to go with her and her family to their cabin in the summer - and what would be a one off turns into an annual event, where the girls grow older and change, not always bringing them closer. What was right with it?: Some of the scenes are very charming, with the girls 'experimenting' with their sexuality early on in the book, and then drifting the other way, and getting boyfriends where their relationships are not always plain sailing.  The book often leaves you smiling, because you can relate to many things, and at other times, you want to reach in and shake on of them as you can see what's happening and you don't want them to get hurt What was wrong with it?: I think very little. My simple complaint was that it's not long enough, and there should have been a sequal.  The ending leaves you asking many questions, which is teasing. I wish a sequal had been made Marks:  10 out of 10 Recommended Age Of Reader: Any age, be aware of some sexuality issues raised Reviewed By: Sarah SomeoneLoveMe -- Posted by SweeterThanChocolate at 10:57 am on May 18, 2007 Book Title:  The Time Traveler's Wife Book Author:  Audrey Niffenegger Genre: Sci-Fi ./ Romantic Quick Synopsis:  It's a story about a couple called Clare and Henry. They have known each other since Clare was 6 and Henry was 36.  They married when Clare was 22 and Henry was 30.  Impossible?  No, as Henry is one of the first people to contract Chrono Displacement Disorder - Every now and then, his genetic clock resets and he finds himself dragged into the past or future. They can be harrowing and at other times funny! The story looks at the couple's relationship, enduring this issue, and their love for each other.   What was right with it?:  It's funny, romantic, scary and amusing all at once.  Your heart goes out to them, to be honest, and you will not be able to put it down.  You will laugh out loud sometimes! What was wrong with it?:  It's hard to know where the author planned to take this.  Is it a story where, once you know the story, it's going to have a happy or sad ending?  At times, the sadness becomes a little overpowering, although this doesn't distract from the book overall. You may be tempted to skip a few paragraphs if you're not up to the emotions, although that would be a shame. Marks: 8 1/2 out of 10 Recommended Age Of Reader:  Anyone, I would say over 13 to cope with some of the text Reviewed By: Sarah SomeoneLoveMe -- Posted by SweeterThanChocolate at 1:20 am on May 19, 2007 Book Title: Mrs Dalloway Book Author: Virginia Woolf Genre: General / Historical Snapshot Quick Synopsis: Written in 1925, it follows a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, who is married to an MP, living in London. The day is in June 1923, Clarissa is having a party in the evening, and the story follows obvious links with Clarissa and a Septimus Warren Smith. Initially, there seems nothing but London that links them both, she is wealthy and middle aged, he is young and poor, hating everyone. What was right with it?: Experimental, as this book is written in the style of stream of counsciouness. This means that you follow her every thoughts, sometimes random and erratic, it's like a 'fly on the wall' account of what Clarissa is doing. The language used is lyrical and fascinating. Having no chapters, it streams from one thought to another, keeping you gripped and interested in her day. Seen as her most influential and popular works, this kicked up one hell of a fuss when released in 1925 - discussing topics and suggesting relations that were severely frowned upon in English society. What was wrong with it?: Compared to many books, this is not an easy read.  If you're not used to the style, it will take a little to get used to. Some of the deviation from the goings on are annoying, and you might be tempted to flick ahead. This book will stretch you, but sometimes, you need to push your reading to a new level, and this most certainly will. Marks:  9 out of 10 Recommended Age Of Reader: Any age, although probably more suited to the older reader Reviewed By: Sarah SomeoneLoveMe -- Posted by amiee at 3:39 am on May 19, 2007 Book Title: The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas Book Author: John Boyne Genre: Historical-ish Quick Synopsis: I can't say too much! The blurb on the back doesn't give much away for good reason. Little Bruno returns home one day to find that he and his family must leave home, to live near the "fence". There's a whole other world beyond that Fence, but he must never go beyond it. "The story of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is very difficult to describe. Usually we give clues about the book on the jacket, but in this case we think that would spoil the reading of the book. We think it is important that you start to read without knowing what it is about." - taken from inside the book. What was right with it?: It was a good portrayal of certain events from a child's perspective. Very quick read (seriously, you could be done with it in a couple of hours), but the mystery was good. Brilliant ending. Easy to read, gets the author's message across easily. What was wrong with it?: After having read it, you can see certain flaws in the author's writing. This destroys the innocence you need while reading the book, and therefore means you'll never read it in the same pure way again. Basically, it's a book you could only read once because after, your "innocence" is lost. Marks:  7/8 out of 10 Recommended Age Of Reader: Any Reviewed By: Amy amiee edit: ps there's a film now GO SEE IT. -- Posted by Periwinkle at 4:09 am on May 19, 2007 Jacket photo: in the UK in the US Book title: Want to Play? in the UK, Monkeewrench in the US Book author: PJ Tracy (that's PJ and Traci Lambrecht, a mother and daughter writing team, who write under the name PJ Tracy) Genre: Crime thriller Quick synopsis: In Minneapolis, a group of people called Monkeewrench (a software company) start making a game about catching a serial killer. These people obviously have something to hide or run away from: why else would they all carry guns constantly? Someone starts repeating the murders in real life... What was right with it? It was very fast-paced, the action was good, the characters incredible...one of the best books I've ever read. An all-time favourite. There's a couple more in the series: Live Bait, Dead Run and Snow Blind so far. What was wrong with it? Very, very little. Marks: 10/10. Awesome. Recommended age of reader: There isn't much that's too graphic, but there is some, and there's a lot of swearing in it. I'm 13 and I thought it was fine, but it really depends how much you get offended by that stuff. Reviewed by: Fern Periwinkle -- Posted by SweeterThanChocolate at 8:24 am on May 19, 2007 Book Title: Keeping You A Secret Book Author: Julie Ann Peters   Genre: Teen Sexuality / Sexual Questioning (female - female)   Quick Synopsis: Holland was doing fine. She was doing well in school, had a boyfriend who she'd had for some time, was Student Council President and had a chance to go to her college (university) of her choice. Then, Cece starts at her school. They develop huge feelings for each other. They are very scared about how others are going to see their relationship. What was right with it?: It gives a good portrayal of how some people would react to someone 'coming out' and most of the time, your heart goes out to them and you have nothing but sympathy for them both. It will touch a nerve with many Bi's and Lesbians who might feel close to someone one day, and then feel obsessive the next.   What was wrong with it?: I can't really find fault in this book.  I guess some might argue that it is sometimes predictable, and you can sort of guess in a way what's going to happen next. Marks:  9 1/2 out of 10   Recommended Age Of Reader: Any age, possibly would suit Bi's/Lesbians or those girls questioning their sexuality. If this topic offends you, please steer clear. Reviewed By: Sarah SomeoneLoveMe -- Posted by Medwed at 9:56 am on May 19, 2007 Title: Lieutenant Gustl Author: Arthur Schnitzler Genre: Short novel - Interior monologue Time: Written in 1900. Quick Synopsis: After a boring opera, impatiently waiting in the coat check queue, Gustl gets into a quarrel with a familiar baker who hinders him to unsheathe his sword. The lieutenant, being physically inferior, feels dishonoured by that behaviour of a socially lower person and decides - logically consistent in the military honour codex - to commit suicide on 7 am the next morning. He spends the night walking through Vienna and thinking about his life... The story consists solely of one ongoing interior monologue and pictures the decadence of the military, especially its overdrawn sense of honour, and of society in general in the turn of the century. What was right with it: Simple language, easy to follow the plot, exciting and gives a good insight into the time it was written in. What was wrong with it: It was a bit too short and the end was too predictable. Mark: 8/10 Recommended Age: For any age - this short novel does demand some concentration, but overall it's an easy read. -- Posted by SweeterThanChocolate at 5:47 am on May 20, 2007 [size=1[I have added this as a competition to find the best reviews, so please check out the contests page for details. Judging with me will be Amiee [/size] -- Posted by Medwed at 7:25 am on May 21, 2007 Quote: from SomeoneLoveMe at 8:28 am on May 17, 2007 Any book you have read and have really enjoyed, I want you to share it with others.   Can we also write a scorcher? I guess that would be much more fun.   -- Posted by Collin at 5:25 pm on May 21, 2007 Book Title: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Book Author: J.K. Rowling Genre: Fantasy Quick Synopsis: Follows a fifteen year-old boy who is an orphaned wizard. Wizarding world does not believe him when he says that his nemesis, Lord Voldemort, is back from his disappearance fourteen years ago when Harry defied the Lord's killing curse. What was right with it?: Very interesting, longest of Rowling's works, well written, good pace of story. What was wrong with it?: For some they would love such a long adventure (800 pgs. +) while others would lose interest before finishing. Marks: 9 out of 10   Recommended Age Of Reader: Any, but some vocabulary and/or concepts may be easier to understand if above 10. Reviewed By: Collin -- Posted by SweeterThanChocolate at 11:25 pm on May 21, 2007 Quote: from Medwed at 3:25 pm on May 21, 2007 Quote: from SomeoneLoveMe at 8:28 am on May 17, 2007 Any book you have read and have really enjoyed, I want you to share it with others. Can we also write a scorcher? I guess that would be much more fun. Well, not every book review can be praising the work, so if you didn't like a book, then feel free. Just try and keep it subjective -- Posted by xoxo1234 at 1:52 am on May 23, 2007 Book Title: The Bar Code Tattoo Book Author: Suzanne Weyn Genre: Sci-fi Thriller Quick Synopsis: It's about 20 years in the future, and almost everyone world wide is being forced on their 17th birthday to be branded with a Bar Code Tattoo. The 'too conveniently contains virtually of your information, making it so you never have to memorize your information or carry around identity cards. But their is a small amount of people who don't like the idea of being labeled, and rebel against the 'too, including Kayla Reed. Kayla's parents both recently commited suicide soon after getting the tattoo. The book follows Kayla and her friends on a their life-threatening journey of rebellion against the government. What was right with it? It's a really addicting read, once you get into it. It brings up fascinating ideas on evolution, eugenics and reprogenetics, and where society today is leading to in the future. And most importantly, it's completely, 100% believable. What was wrong with it? Not much, actually. The end really leads you hanging, but that just encourages you to read the sequel. Marks: 9.6/10 Reccomended Age of Reader: It's an easy read, but some of the ideas may be hard to understand for those under sixth or seventh grade. It's one of those books you can really read at any age, though. Reviewed by: I'm completely paranoid therefore I don't give out my first name xoxo1234 *Note: If you enjoyed the book the sequel is absolutely AMAZING, I'd give it a 15/10. I'd read the book just so you can advance to the sequel. -- Posted by Dissilusioned at 8:20 am on May 23, 2007 Quote: from SomeoneLoveMe at 6:57 pm on May 18, 2007   Book Title:  The Time Traveler's Wife Book Author:  Audrey Niffenegger Genre: Sci-Fi ./ Romantic Quick Synopsis:  It's a story about a couple called Clare and Henry. They have known each other since Clare was 6 and Henry was 36.  They married when Clare was 22 and Henry was 30.  Impossible?  No, as Henry is one of the first people to contract Chrono Displacement Disorder - Every now and then, his genetic clock resets and he finds himself dragged into the past or future. They can be harrowing and at other times funny! The story looks at the couple's relationship, enduring this issue, and their love for each other.   What was right with it?:  It's funny, romantic, scary and amusing all at once.  Your heart goes out to them, to be honest, and you will not be able to put it down.  You will laugh out loud sometimes!   What was wrong with it?:  It's hard to know where the author planned to take this.  Is it a story where, once you know the story, it's going to have a happy or sad ending?  At times, the sadness becomes a little overpowering, although this doesn't distract from the book overall. You may be tempted to skip a few paragraphs if you're not up to the emotions, although that would be a shame.   Marks: 8 1/2 out of 10   Recommended Age Of Reader:  Anyone, I would say over 13 to cope with some of the text Reviewed By: Sarah SomeoneLoveMe Oh! I have that book sitting on my shelf. I tried to read the first couple of chapters, but found it really difficult to get into. Im going to give it another shot now :) I'm definitely entering this one - Nineteen Eighty Four. Im literally obsessed with this book, i even based my film for my art film class on it (Twenty-Fifty, see avatar). Laurie xxx -- Posted by Dissilusioned at 8:23 am on May 23, 2007 Quote: from Periwinkle at 12:09 pm on May 19, 2007 Jacket photo: in the UK in the US Book title: Want to Play? in the UK, Monkeewrench in the US Book author: PJ Tracy (that's PJ and Traci Lambrecht, a mother and daughter writing team, who write under the name PJ Tracy) Genre: Crime thriller Quick synopsis: In Minneapolis, a group of people called Monkeewrench (a software company) start making a game about catching a serial killer. These people obviously have something to hide or run away from: why else would they all carry guns constantly? Someone starts repeating the murders in real life... What was right with it? It was very fast-paced, the action was good, the characters incredible...one of the best books I've ever read. An all-time favourite. There's a couple more in the series: Live Bait, Dead Run and Snow Blind so far. What was wrong with it? Very, very little. Marks: 10/10. Awesome. Recommended age of reader: There isn't much that's too graphic, but there is some, and there's a lot of swearing in it. I'm 13 and I thought it was fine, but it really depends how much you get offended by that stuff. Reviewed by: Fern Periwinkle I LOVE this book!! How fab :) Laurie xxx -- Posted by Dissilusioned at 8:26 am on May 23, 2007 Quote: from dissilusioned at 4:20 pm on May 23, 2007 Quote: from SomeoneLoveMe at 6:57 pm on May 18, 2007    Book Title:  The Time Traveler's Wife    Book Author:  Audrey Niffenegger    Genre: Sci-Fi ./ Romantic    Quick Synopsis:  It's a story about a couple called Clare and Henry. They have known each other since Clare was 6 and Henry was 36.  They married when Clare was 22 and Henry was 30.  Impossible?  No, as Henry is one of the first people to contract Chrono Displacement Disorder - Every now and then, his genetic clock resets and he finds himself dragged into the past or future. They can be harrowing and at other times funny! The story looks at the couple's relationship, enduring this issue, and their love for each other.      What was right with it?:  It's funny, romantic, scary and amusing all at once.  Your heart goes out to them, to be honest, and you will not be able to put it down.  You will laugh out loud sometimes!    What was wrong with it?:  It's hard to know where the author planned to take this.  Is it a story where, once you know the story, it's going to have a happy or sad ending?  At times, the sadness becomes a little overpowering, although this doesn't distract from the book overall. You may be tempted to skip a few paragraphs if you're not up to the emotions, although that would be a shame.    Marks: 8 1/2 out of 10    Recommended Age Of Reader:  Anyone, I would say over 13 to cope with some of the text    Reviewed By: Sarah SomeoneLoveMe Oh! I have that book sitting on my shelf. I tried to read the first couple of chapters, but found it really difficult to get into. Im going to give it another shot now :) I'm definitely entering this one - Nineteen Eighty Four. Im literally obsessed with this book, i even based my film for my art film class on it (Twenty-Fifty, see avatar). Edit: exactly the same goes for Mrs. Dalloway. Laurie xxx -- Posted by sexy brat1989 at 10:10 am on May 23, 2007 they are all good books -- Posted by Thesecondcomingofyou at 10:58 am on May 23, 2007 When I get back from teh Public House I shall write a review on The Wasp Factory, possibly the greatest book of all time. -- Posted by xoxo1234 at 12:17 am on May 24, 2007 Quote: from dissilusioned at 6:20 pm on May 23, 2007 Quote: from SomeoneLoveMe at 6:57 pm on May 18, 2007    Book Title:  The Time Traveler's Wife    Book Author:  Audrey Niffenegger    Genre: Sci-Fi ./ Romantic    Quick Synopsis:  It's a story about a couple called Clare and Henry. They have known each other since Clare was 6 and Henry was 36.  They married when Clare was 22 and Henry was 30.  Impossible?  No, as Henry is one of the first people to contract Chrono Displacement Disorder - Every now and then, his genetic clock resets and he finds himself dragged into the past or future. They can be harrowing and at other times funny! The story looks at the couple's relationship, enduring this issue, and their love for each other.      What was right with it?:  It's funny, romantic, scary and amusing all at once.  Your heart goes out to them, to be honest, and you will not be able to put it down.  You will laugh out loud sometimes!    What was wrong with it?:  It's hard to know where the author planned to take this.  Is it a story where, once you know the story, it's going to have a happy or sad ending?  At times, the sadness becomes a little overpowering, although this doesn't distract from the book overall. You may be tempted to skip a few paragraphs if you're not up to the emotions, although that would be a shame.    Marks: 8 1/2 out of 10    Recommended Age Of Reader:  Anyone, I would say over 13 to cope with some of the text    Reviewed By: Sarah SomeoneLoveMe Oh! I have that book sitting on my shelf. I tried to read the first couple of chapters, but found it really difficult to get into. Im going to give it another shot now :) I'm definitely entering this one - Nineteen Eighty Four. Im literally obsessed with this book, i even based my film for my art film class on it (Twenty-Fifty, see avatar). Laurie xxx Really? I found it really easy to get into, actually. A very addicting book. xD -- Posted by SweeterThanChocolate at 7:55 am on May 24, 2007 Book Title: At Risk Book Author: Patricia Cornwell Genre: Adult / Medical / Murder Mystery Quick Synopsis: Once again, another Dr Kay Scarpetta novel, the latest in the series.  There is a new central character brought into this book, and it's as if the author has suddenly decided to steer away from Kay, and move on to new idea's.  At the reader expense. Based in Massachusetts, again, Garano is given an assignment to investigate a murder over 20 years old. That's about it.   What was right with it?: Not much. Cornwell has totally turned her back on her fan base, as they will be gutted when they read this. The good thing is that it's very short, so you don't have to suffer for too long. What was wrong with it?: Where do I start?  It's awful.  The story jumps from plot to subline, and you never feel like you're a part of this story at all. It's very short, and anyone expecting an amazing follow up in the series will be bitterly disappointed. The new character makes no sense at all, and overall is 200 pages of rubbish. It will annoy you if you buy this, the characters annoy you and it's a waste of money Marks:  1 out of 10   Recommended Age Of Reader: Anyone, but don't Reviewed By: Sarah SomeoneLoveMe -- Posted by SweeterThanChocolate at 5:25 am on May 25, 2007 Book Title:  The Da Vinci Code Book Author: Dan Brown Genre: Thriller/Religious Quick Synopsis: Robert Langdon is a professor in Symbology, and he is summoned when he is Paris, as the curator of the Louvre has been murdered, and around the body of the curator is weird symbols.  He is joined by a Cryptologist, and they work out that the symbols lead back to the paintings of Da Vinci - and even further back.  It seems the curator might have died to protect the secret location of a really important religious relic. However, there is a race on to get to it first, can they assemble the pieces of the puzzle quick enough, and discover the Prioy of Sion's secret? What was right with it?: The lead characters are very likeable, and this makes you want to read more and more.  It is quite fast paced, to start with, and will keep you entertained.  It makes you think about many things along the way, and is full of 3rd person perspectives.  You will learn a little about art reading this too, which isn't bad :) What was wrong with it?:  I think the first thing to point out is that this didn't get to be so huge because it's an amazing book, it's because of the suggestions that are mentioned in it, which caused a lot of controversy when released.  Many religious groups boycotted the book, saying it was against God and all he stood for.  I got the feeling that the book gets weaker as it goes on, it's as if he got slightly bored towards the end. There are major clues that the experts take ages to work out, which is frustrating, as it loses them creditbility after a while. Marks:  8 out of 10   Recommended Age Of Reader: I would say anyone could read this Reviewed By: Sarah SomeoneLoveMe -- Posted by SweeterThanChocolate at 8:59 am on May 25, 2007 Book Title: Chain Mail - Addicted To You Book Author: Hiroshi Ishizaki Genre: Young Adult / Thriller Quick Synopsis: This book has been translated to English very well. It's the story of three teen girls, all living in Tokyo, who get an email from another girl asking them to help write an online story.  It's a thriller about a teen girl getting stalked by a guy.  It is fun, and they all enjoy it at first, but soon, things go wrong and real life starts to mirror what's happening in the story. It quickly turns into a nightmare for one of the girls.   What was right with it?: It's very addictive, and you will find that you won't want to put it down. It's very clever, as not only do you follow the girls writing it, but you're following the 4 characters in the story they're writing too. If you have never read any Japanese books before, this would be a good place to start. What was wrong with it?: Nothing really. There's some references that you might not get, like some drinks they have and the cultural differences that you have to come to speed with. But it's not tha damaging, and you will soon pick it up.     Marks:  8 1/2 out of 10   Recommended Age Of Reader: I would suggest anyone could read this book Reviewed By: Sarah SomeoneLoveMe -- Posted by Periwinkle at 9:04 am on May 26, 2007 Jacket Photo: Book Title: The Amulet of Samarkand Book Author: Jonathan Stroud Genre: Fantasy/magical Quick Synopsis: Imagine that magic is here and is totally accepted in society. This book is set in London and centres around Nathaniel, a boy apprenticed to a magician. When an older magician, Simon Lovelace, offends him, he becomes set on getting revenge, with the aid of djinni Bartimaeus. What was right with it?: It was a pleasant read. All quite good fun. I thought it was remarkably well-written and also quite humorous - the footnotes in the sections by Bartimaeus (the book is written alternately in 3rd person about Nathaniel and 1st person by Bartimaeus) especially. It wasn't intellectually taxing - just something nice to curl up with. Good old-fashioned clean fun. What was wrong with it?: Nothing really wrong with it, but I thought sometimes it was for people a bit younger than me. Still, it was good as a light read. Marks: 7.5 out of 10 Recommended Age Of Reader: There's nothing I wouldn't give to anyone on this site, it just depends on your taste in books. Reviewed By: Fern Periwinkle -- Posted by abiloo at 4:50 pm on May 27, 2007 if i have time, i will enter. i do love reading and analysing books. -- Posted by Periwinkle at 4:55 am on May 28, 2007 Jacket photo: Book title: Kill Me Book author: Stephen White Genre: Thriller Quick synopsis: a man pays a company he calls the 'death angels' to kill him if he is ever mentally incapacitated - if his quality of life is lower than he'd like it to be. Unfortunately, life changes, and he changes his mind, but it's a binding contract that they won't let him leave. What was right with it?: Great story. Great idea. Cool plot. And raised a lot of good questions. The characters were human and it was definitely a good read. What was wrong with it?: The end was too unlikely, it didn't tie together right and it could've been a bit more...something. It needed more panache. Marks: 7/10 Recommended age of reader: I think anyone on livewire should be able to cope with it, although it is published as an adult book. Reviewed by: Fern Periwinkle -- Posted by xoxo1234 at 5:47 am on May 28, 2007 Quote: from SomeoneLoveMe at 3:25 pm on May 25, 2007   Book Title:  The Da Vinci Code Book Author: Dan Brown Genre: Thriller/Religious   Quick Synopsis: Robert Langdon is a professor in Symbology, and he is summoned when he is Paris, as the curator of the Louvre has been murdered, and around the body of the curator is weird symbols.  He is joined by a Cryptologist, and they work out that the symbols lead back to the paintings of Da Vinci - and even further back.  It seems the curator might have died to protect the secret location of a really important religious relic. However, there is a race on to get to it first, can they assemble the pieces of the puzzle quick enough, and discover the Prioy of Sion's secret?   What was right with it?: The lead characters are very likeable, and this makes you want to read more and more.  It is quite fast paced, to start with, and will keep you entertained.  It makes you think about many things along the way, and is full of 3rd person perspectives.  You will learn a little about art reading this too, which isn't bad :) What was wrong with it?:  I think the first thing to point out is that this didn't get to be so huge because it's an amazing book, it's because of the suggestions that are mentioned in it, which caused a lot of controversy when released.  Many religious groups boycotted the book, saying it was against God and all he stood for.  I got the feeling that the book gets weaker as it goes on, it's as if he got slightly bored towards the end. There are major clues that the experts take ages to work out, which is frustrating, as it loses them creditbility after a while.   Marks:  8 out of 10     Recommended Age Of Reader: I would say anyone could read this Reviewed By: Sarah SomeoneLoveMe This is quite honestly one of the best books of all time. -- Posted by Robert89 at 8:25 am on May 28, 2007 Jacket photo: Book title: Ironman Book author: Chris Crutcher Genre: Young Adult Quick synopsis: Bo Brewster is training for the Ironman race--running, swimming, and biking several miles.  In the meantime, he has to deal with many issues. He has to overcome problems with his father, control his anger, learn to accept that one of the most respected people in his life is homosexual, unravel the mysteries of love, and still attempt to do well in the race. What was right with it?: Awesome story. Chris Crutcher writes the truth, that's why so many of his books are controversial. It's my favorite book, so I'm probably a bit biased. Everything was right with it. What was wrong with it?: See above question. I'm biased... Marks: 10/10 Recommended age of reader: 13+, at least. There is quite a bit of strong language and controversial topics. You were warned. Reviewed by: Robert89 Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6  Next