TEEN BOOK REVIEW: The Game of Love and Death by Martha Brokenbrough

Good Reads Summary

Antony and Cleopatra. Helen of Troy and Paris. Romeo and Juliet. And now... Henry and Flora.
For centuries Love and Death have chosen their players. They have set the rules, rolled the dice, and kept close, ready to influence, angling for supremacy. And Death has always won. Always.

Could there ever be one time, one place, one pair whose love would truly tip the balance?
Meet Flora Saudade, an African-American girl who dreams of becoming the next Amelia Earhart by day and sings in the smoky jazz clubs of Seattle by night. Meet Henry Bishop, born a few blocks and a million worlds away, a white boy with his future assured—a wealthy adoptive family in the midst of the Great Depression, a college scholarship, and all the opportunities in the world seemingly available to him.

The players have been chosen. The dice have been rolled. But when human beings make moves of their own, what happens next is anyone’s guess.
Achingly romantic and brilliantly imagined, The Game of Love and Deathis a love story you will never forget.

Teen Review

The Game of Love and Death written by author Martha Brockenbrough follows the lives of two star-crossed lovers. Flora, an African-American girl who aspires to become the next Amelia Earhart while working as a jazz singer in Seattl;, and Henry, a Caucasian boy who comes from a wealthy adoptive family, spends his day focusing on school, baseball, and his love of music. Although their backgrounds and the prejudices of the 1930s separate them in many ways, they have one thing in common, they are both pawns in a game that is played by love and death.

The Game of Love and Death is a complex and intense love story that will keep you guessing till the very end. Author Martha Brockenbrough not only writes about the complexities of love and death and their impact on the human experience, she also discusses issues that impacted both people in the 1930s and in modern day such as racism, mortality, poverty, and accepting one's self for who they truly are. Because such issues are prevalent in today’s society the novel allows the reader to bond with the characters and their struggles.

In short, The Game of Love and Death is a novel that should be put on every avid reader’s “must read list”. Whether someone is new to the genre of romance or has read thousands of romance novels this novel is sure to be a fantastic read with a message about life that will stick with the reader for years to come.

Stephanie (Teen Reviewer)

TEEN BOOK REVIEW: Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver

Good Reads Summary

Dara and Nick used to be inseparable, but that was before the accident that left Dara's beautiful face scarred and the two sisters totally estranged. When Dara vanishes on her birthday, Nick thinks Dara is just playing around. But another girl, nine-year-old Madeline Snow, has vanished, too, and Nick becomes increasingly convinced that the two disappearances are linked. Now Nick has to find her sister, before it's too late.

In this edgy and compelling novel, Lauren Oliver creates a world of intrigue, loss, and suspicion as two sisters search to find themselves, and each other. 

Vanishing Girls has a magnificent plot line and story. The characters in this novel we’re great, they were very relatable and had unique personalities. The main character “Nick” who was the oldest sister was a great character to follow throughout the story, her determination and willpower to find her sister made her the best character to lead us through this novel.

The ending of this novel will really have you gasping. It has the most unexpected ending and will keep you wanting more. The novel is extremely well written and the grammar was extremely good as well.

Lauren Oliver is an amazing and creative author. This novel will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat, till the very last page.

I highly recommend this novel to teens who like a mystery thriller read.

Teen Review

 

“Vanishing Girls” is an amazing novel written by Lauren Oliver. This novel is about two sisters, in which one goes missing and the other sets out to find her, whether her sister was kidnapped or ran away she’ll have to find out the truth the hard way. Vanishing Girls will always have your jaw dropping, with its unimaginable twists and unexpected events. The ending will definitely shock you.

Vanishing Girls has a magnificent plot line and story. The characters in this novel we’re great, they were very relatable and had unique personalities. The main character “Nick” who was the oldest sister was a great character to follow throughout the story, her determination and willpower to find her sister made her the best character to lead us through this novel.

The ending of this novel will really have you gasping. It has the most unexpected ending and will keep you wanting more. The novel is extremely well written and the grammar was extremely good as well.

Lauren Oliver is an amazing and creative author. This novel will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat, till the very last page.

I highly recommend this novel to teens who like a mystery thriller read.

Anissa (Teen Reviewer)

Teen Book Reviewer Information

How to I become a Teen Book Reviewer?

Fill out an Orillia Public Library Teen Volunteer form available at the volunteer desk in the front lobby or in the Teen Section on the second floor. Hand in the completed review to a staff member at the Youth Services desk or at the Children’s and Youth Department on the first floor. If you don’t hear back right away don’t be afraid to stop by and ask about volunteering in person!

What books are available for review?

Most “New” books in the teen section are available for review.

How do I write a book review?

Whether you've read something you loved or couldn't stand, tell everyone about it!  A quick review is fine - share your overall impression or rate the book out of 5 stars.

We are looking for a review that is ½ to 1 page double spaced maximum! Be sure to tell everyone what you liked or didn’t like about the book any why without giving everything away!

Make sure you proof read your review.  Sometimes it’s helpful for a friend or family member to look it over. When you are all done email your completed review to ltoutant@orilliapubliclibrary.ca.

If you're not sure what to say about the book, here are some questions and ideas to think about:

• Is the book memorable or forgettable? Why or why not?
• What books, movies, or TV shows did the book remind you of? How does it compare?
• Are you familiar with this author? If yes, how does this book compare to the author's other books? If not, would you want to read another book by this author?
• Would you recommend this book to anyone? Describe the person you think would like this book.
• How would you describe the writing style?
• Could you tell what themes or moods the author was trying to express? Do you think they accomplished their goals?
• Were the characters interesting or believable?

TEEN BOOK REVIEW: Proof of Forever by Lexa Hillyer

Good Reads Summary

Then: That is, until the fateful flash of a photo booth camera transports the four of them back in time, to the summer they were fifteen—the summer everything changed.

Now: The girls must recreate the past in order to return to the present. As they live through their second-chance summer, the mystery behind their lost friendship unravels, and a dark secret threatens to tear the girls apart all over again.

Always: Summers end. But this one will change them forever.

Before: It was the perfect summer of first kisses, skinny-dipping, and bonfires by the lake. Joy, Tali, Luce, and Zoe knew their final summer at Camp Okahatchee would come to an end, but they swore they’d stay friends.

After: Now, two years later, their bond has faded along with those memories.

Teen Review

Proof of Forever is a heartwarming story that reveals what true friendship is, and that having it can affect you as a person. Four girls named Zoe, Tali, Joy and Luce, are all bound to Camp Okahatchee. Every summer they attend, as it is significant to their friendship. When their last summer at camp rolls around, they promise each other to be friends forever. Then, Joy leaves, and their friendship falls apart. Two years later, Camp Okahatchee has a reunion night, which they all attend. The four girls are transported back to that last summer at camp. This crazy, unexpected experience reveals secrets, gives the girls a second chance, and leaves them all asking one important question.

Are they stuck in the past?

In this beautiful, touching, and inspirational tale, Lexa Hillyer shows her readers the truths of friendship, and that when you receive a second chance, take it, as you may be surprised by what it leads to.

Overall, Proof of Forever was the most developed and complex book I've read this summer, even though it was Hillyer's first novel. I strongly recommend this novel to those looking for a soulful read, or those who like books that are thought-provoking. Hillyer's story will not disappoint, and will leave you breathless at the end. I guarantee you will not only enjoy, but learn something important from this book.

"What would you give for a second chance?"

Enjoy,

Tamara (Teen Book Reviewer)