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Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Stardust - Book Review by Chelsea
Stardust by Neil Gaiman
In Neil Gaiman’s book, Stardust, readers are taken on an incredible journey. The main character, Tristran Thorne, is willing to go to desperate lengths and do whatever it takes for love. The passion he has for love bounces off of every page. His determination drives him on, and his commitment keeps him on task. He travels great distances through treacherous places and faces intense obstacles to prove his love for Victoria Forester.
From the first line of the story, to the last punctuation mark, readers are captivated and hungry to learn about the strange town of Wall and all of the mysteries that are held on the opposite side of the historical wall of Wall. Tristran’s journey begins from a promise made to him by Victoria. “If you receive that fallen star, I will be yours.” Upon hearing this promise, Tristran begins his grueling journey. He leaves his safe town of Wall knowing that he will encounter incredible difficulties and creatures completely unknown to him. But, none of these thoughts stop him; he escapes the town of Wall and leaves everything he is familiar with on the other side of the large gap in the wall.
Tristran’s journey brings him many hardships. He has to make tough decisions and do everything for himself. The trip to the fallen star is much easier than the trip back home. When Tristran discovers that a fallen star is not just a rock, but a person, he realizes that convincing a person to follow him home will not be easy. Unfortunately, Tristran does not realize that he is not the only one after the fallen star. Though he reaches the fallen star first, different creatures manage to steal the star away from him. The journey home turns into a daunting and grueling process of retrieving the star, protecting the star, and losing the star again.
On his journey, Tristran begins to realize that the star is someone he enjoys being around. He finds her beautiful and loves her company, even if she does frequently argue with him. Through their journey home, they spend a lot of time together, and by the time they return to Wall, Tristran has forgotten his original mission and Victoria Forester. The star reminds him of her purpose, and he sets off to find Victoria. When he finds her he discovers that she is already engaged to be married, and that his journey was nothing but a distraction. Tristran realizes exactly what he wants at this moment, and her name is not Victoria. He returns to his star on the outskirts of Wall and makes a decision to spend the rest of his life with a certain star that goes by the name Yvaine.
This story gives a twist to a typical love story. It takes the readers through the rough details and shows them the happiness that can be found at the end of a long journey. Neil Gaiman’s book, Stardust, is captivating from cover to cover.
Review by Chelsea
Monday, March 23, 2009
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made - Book Review by Sarah P.
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made by Paul Brand and Philip Yancy
In Paul Brand and Philip Yancy's "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made", the concepts of science and religion are intertwined. Each chapter is devoted to one aspect of the literal body, such as the bones or cells, and then related to the figurative body, which in this case is the "Body of Christ". This novel is an extended metaphor in which our actual organs and cells symbolize Christians worldwide and the connection they share. The book emphasizes unity and loyalty among Christians, and implies that, much as our body consists of different components, the "Body of Christ" must consist of diverse people. For those who have a strong religious background, or simply interested in the connection drawn between Christianity and science, I would definitely recommend this book. Overall, I give this book three out of five stars.
Review by Sarah P.
To the Lighthouse - Book Review by Mallory
To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
To the Lighthouse is an insight into the drama of a family. It shows husband and wife relations, and parent to child relations as well. Also two other points of view, those of Lily and Mr. Bankes show the reader an outside perception of this family drama. The first thing the reader notices is the dissention of the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey. They seem to be at odds with each other either because of their conflicting personalities or because there is an additional person in the marriage. Also the relationship between Mr. Ramsey and his youngest son James is shown to be rather strained and uncooperative on both sides. Over all I enjoyed this novel very much, because it broke down the different relationships within a family rather than just the relationship between a mother and a father.
Review by Mallory
Friday, March 20, 2009
Get Connected with Teen Central
Click here to hear the first episode of Get Connected with Teen Central!
This podcast was created by the teens who attended the "Press Play - Get Connected" workshop on March 10, 2009, along with Tonya Oswalt of Bossier Parish Libraries' YA Services, and Jaketha Farmer, the library's IT Specialist.
We hope to make this a quarterly podcast with the help of our Teen Advisory Board and other local teenagers.
Please comment and let us know what you thought of the podcast!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
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