The Testament - Book Review by Janae

The Testament by John Grisham

Troy Phelan, an unhappy billionaire, has been waiting to die for years.  His family hates him, he hates his family, and life is boring once you have done everything possible.  Troy makes everyone believe that he is ill and crippled by using a wheelchair and wearing a robe and turban for years.  Truth is, he isn't sick at all.  No one knew that until the day of his death when he was analyzed and pronounced to be of sound body and mind.  Seconds after that was declared, he signed a secret will in front of many people, then jumped off a balcony to his death.  Troy Phelan signed away his entire fortune to his illegitimate daughter Rachel Lane, a child no one knew about until then.  Rachel is a missionary located in the Brazilian jungles.  Nate O'Riley is hired to find her, fresh out of rehab.  The Testament is a story about the struggle to find Rachel Lane and its effects on each family.

Book Review by Janae

Wisdom's Kiss - Book Review by Maddie

Wisdom's Kiss by Catherine Gilbert Murdock


Wisdom's Kiss is a remarkable story written by the same author, Catherine Gilbert Murdock, who wrote Dairy Queen and Princess Ben.  The adventure follows multiple storylines from Dizzy (or Princess Wisdom), who is really terrible at being a princess and longs for rebellion; Tips, who longs to keep his true identity secret from his childhood friend Fortitude; and Fortitude, who longs only for Tips.  The whole story is told in different points of view, the diary of a narcissistic swordsman, the letters of two lovers, the script of an up-and-coming play, and other creative perspectives, which gives the reader an exciting new view that's rarely experienced.  I would definitely suggest this to anyone who loves a classic bit of magic, and an exciting fairytale adventure.

Book Review by Maddie

Possess by Gretchen McNiel - Book Review by Lindsay

Possess by Gretchen McNiel

 

 

Gretchen McNeil‘s first novel “Possess” is about 15 year-old half Irish/half Chinese exorcist Bridget Liu. Who’s trying to adjust to sudden changes in her life, like, her father’s murder, and finding out that she has the power to banish demons back to the underworld. This book is very dark, the whole thing is about demons, ghosts, murder and exorcisims, so, not great if you're more into the "happy books". Bridget is a kick-butt heroine, sarcastic and can come off as a little rude at times. This book is great if you like horror or mystery type books. (Which, I do.) The book has a great and interesting plot that kept me up late at night, reading. It has mystery, horror, suspense, a little humor, action, romance, and some unexpected plot twists. However, the book lacks details on the characters, and you don’t really get to know their personality very well. I did like the book though and I’d love to see it made into a movie!

Book Review by Lindsay

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney 1 - Book Review by Joe

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney 1

This is the first issue in a series of manga based on the Capcom video game Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. This manga follows the same format as the game, as in being divided into separate cases that all tie into each other, rather than just one storyline. There are various references to the game, from small character references to the trademark “OBJECTION!!”.
This particular issue includes all of Case One, Turnabout with the Wind, in which Phoenix is yet again tasked with proving his friend Larry Butz innocent of murder, and the first half of Case Two, Turnabout Gallows, in which a man commits suicide after claiming to be chased by “the spider”, and Phoenix must prove the victim’s boss innocent of the crime. If you’re a fan of the Ace Attorney video games, or just a fan of mystery in general, then try this book out. Trust me, it’ll be worth the time.


Review by Joe

Look for me by Moonlight - Book Review by Janae

Look For Me By Moonlight
by Mary Downing Hahn

Based on the poem "The Highwayman" by Alfred Noyes, someone named Vincent Morthanos comes to town. Cynda resorts to staying with her father and his new family, her step-mother and -brother, while her mother and step-father live in Italy for a few years. One night, Vincent, a charming and attractive man, visits the inn that Cynda's step-family owns and lives in. Vincent and Cynda are instantly attracted to each other and a love affair erupts. The closer Cynda and Vincent become, the closer Cynda gets to the truth about Vincent: he's a vampire. Can Cynda get away from Vincent before her life is taken away by the one she "loves"?


Review by Janae

A Lesson Before Dying - Book Review by Janae

A Lesson Before Dying
by Ernest Gaines

Set in southern Louisiana in the late 1940s, a man named Jefferson is convicted of murder. Jefferson, being a black man, was simply just in the wrong place at the wrong time and is sentenced to death without even a speck of evidence that he committed any crime. Grant Wiggins, the town's grade school teacher, is asked to visit Jefferson up until his day of execution to teach him how to be a man. He is put up to this by Miss Emma, Jefferson's godmother, who is best friend to Tante Lou, Wiggin's aunt. Wiggins overcomes many obstacles and learns many life lessons (ironically) while teaching Jefferson through simple lessons. Just by following these simple lessons allows Jefferson to die like a man with his head held high.


Review by Janae

The Princess Bride - Book Review by Rebecca

The Princess Bride
Abridged version by William Goldman

My dad gave me this book and told me to read it, and since he usually picks good books for me, I decided i'd give it a try. I loved it! I couldn't put it down!! Its about Butttercup, and how torn she is between Westley, her first love, and Prince Humperdinck, who she has promised to marry. There's battles for claim of the princess, battles for the sake of battling, battles for love, battles to see who is the strongest, or bravest. When she has finally lost all hope of love, that when Westley comes back for her, and she can't decide between love and promises; until she realizes that the prince plans to kill her! Love, adventure, and a possibly happy ending? Yes please!


Book Review by Rebecca