Book Review: JUST DON'T FALL

Author: Josh Sundquist
Number of Pages: 336
Publisher: Penguin Books
Release Date: December 17, 2009

Just Don't Fall is the true story of Josh Sundquist, who at age nine was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a cancer strain that eventually led to the amputation of his left leg. Who would have thought that this boy from Virginia would someday grow up to be an award-winning Paralympic skier and motivational speaker? Written from his own perspective, Sundquist recounts his life in a way that will make you laugh and cry at the same time.

I have watched Josh Sundquist's videos on Youtube for quite some time now, and I have always wanted to read his book. However, it was only recently that I have finally gotten around to reading it. How I wish I had read it sooner! I have not read many autobiographies or memoirs, but after completing this book I certainly will. Josh Sundquist writes with an excellent voice. I loved the way he changed his writing style as the book progressed, because it started when he was young and ended more towards the present. His writing keeps you engaged throughout the entire story.

Usually I can handle sad books, because I know that they are fictional. However, this was a different case, because these things actually happened to someone. It was heartbreaking, to say the least. But it was also inspiring. If Josh could endure all of these awful things, especially at such a young age, and still achieve amazing things with his life then there is no reason why everyone else can't do the same thing.

Overall, I loved this book. If you have never heard of Josh Sundquist, I encourage you to look him up on Youtube and watch some of his videos. You won't be disappointed!

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) 5 out of 5 smileys.

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Absolutely!

Yours,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: THE RISE OF NINE

Author: Pittacus Lore
Number of Pages: 360
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: August 21, 2012

The members of the Garde who are still living are still running and fighting for their lives. In America Numbers Four and Nine are on the run together, trying to make it to the west coast in order to find their friends. Six is off to Spain, where she hopes to rally together some more Loriens. Three are dead and the ones who remain alive could die at any moment. Who will be next?

With this being the third novel in the I Am Number Four series, I had high hopes for it. I am happy to say that those high expectations were more than met. These books never cease to impress me, with their constant action and plot twists that keep me on the very edge of my seat. I love this series.

With the addition of more members of the guard into play, this book really came to life. The author does such a good job incorporating not only their Legacies (their powers) but most importantly their personalities. The endings of these novels are always especially suspenseful and action-packed. I love reading them, because you never know what is going to happen- and most often you can never predict what will happen, either.

My favorite character is probably Six. She has that tough-girl personality that many female main characters possess, yet she doesn't come off as stereotypical in any way. None of the characters do, because they have so much depth to them. The author does a great job at not only keeping everything fast paced, but at knowing when to slow down a bit and focus on the characters.

Overall, this book was excellent. I can't wait for the next addition to the series to come out!

My Ratings: :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) 5 out of 5 smileys.

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Absolutely! But read the rest of the series first.

Yours,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: A STUDY IN SCARLET

 Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Number of Pages: 108
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Release Date: January 1, 1887

"A Study in Scarlet" is the first published story of one of the most famous literary detectives of all time, Sherlock Holmes. Here Dr. Watson, who has just returned from a war in Afghanistan, meets Sherlock Holmes for the first time when they become flat-mates at the famous 221 B Baker Street. In "A Study in Scarlet" Sherlock Holmes investigates a murder at Lauriston Gardens as Dr. Watson tags along with Holmes while narratively detailing his amazing deductive abilities."
                                                 - Goodreads.com

Very recently I took an interest in reading the Sherlock Holmes stories for one particular reason: I watched both seasons of Sherlock from BBC and fell in love with it. For those of you who don't know, Sherlock is a British television show that puts a modern twist on the original Sherlock Holmes stories. Since the episodes are based off of the books, I decided that I should probably read them. I wasn't expecting that the stories themselves would be fantastic, but that's exactly what I got. Honestly, these stories are SO GOOD!

One of the things that strikes me as unique about these stories is the Holmes and Watson duo. Holmes is such an unlikable character- he's arrogant, a bit rude, and very wacky- that I just can't help but love him. I know that sounds odd, but it's true. I love how oblivious he is to the outside world, and how he doesn't even know that the earth orbits the sun. Then you have sweet, loyal Watson, who is just as likable but in a different way. The way Sherlock Holmes always has to be busy working on a case is good for Watson, because it helps him recuperate from the war. The make the best flat-mates ever!

The other thing I love about these stories is how intricate and complex the mysteries are. Have you ever read a mystery novel and at the end when they tell you how it all worked out you feel like it was too simple? I doubt that will ever happen with these stories. There are so many little details and so much background to the criminals that by the end of the story you feel as though you have known them forever.

Everything is perfectly paced and the writing is flowy and beautiful.Honestly, these stories are amazing! I'll definitely be reading more of them.

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) 5 out of 5 smileys.

Would I recommend it to a friend?: YES!

Yours,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: WHERE THINGS COME BACK

Author: John Corey Whaley
Number of Pages: 256
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers 
Release Date: May 3, 2011

It is the summer before Cullen Witter's senior year of high school when his life suddenly turns upside-down. One day Cullen's intelligent and utterly unique fifteen year old brother, Gabriel, disappears. At the same time, Cullen's small hometown of Lily, Arkansas begins to obsess about an extinct woodpecker that has apparently somehow reappeared. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, a young missionary named Benton Sage spreads his faith to the people of a small town in Africa in an attempt to feel happy with his life. When these two stories come together it will be a moment that stirs your soul and that will linger in your mind for days afterward.

When I first picked up this book at my local Barnes and Noble, I expected it to be yet another average story about a teenager's life during that legendary summer before their senior year of high school. Well, Where Things Come Back completely blew that expectation out of the water. I am absolutely shocked that this is John Corey Whaley's first novel, because the story is written in such a way that hints at the author having a lot of experience.

My favorite thing about this book was the way the two stories really began to come together at the end. It's such a good feeling to be reading along and suddenly realize that everything makes sense, and that's exactly the feeling I experienced towards the end of this novel. Also, I really liked Gabriel, Cullen's younger brother. He's just one of those characters that you want to keep reading about. The way he viewed life and how he listened to off-beat music and always read The Catcher in the Rye (by J.D. Salinger) is just really refreshing to me. I wish more authors put that much detail, thought, and depth into their characters.

Overall, this was an awesome book. I hope John Corey Whaley writes another one soon!

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) 5 out of 5 smileys.
Would I recommend it to a friend?: YES.

Yours,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: CITY OF GLASS

Author: Cassandra Clare
Number of Pages: 541
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release Date: March 24, 2009

"To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments."
                                                                                                      - Goodreads.com

Whenever I finish one of these books I feel so satisfied, like I just ate a huge plate of pasta and now my stomach is completely full. Seriously, that's what it's like. Cassandra Clare really is a fantastic story teller, and the way she creates her plots and develops her characters is truly amazing. This is the third book in The Mortal Instruments series, and I have to say that I am thoroughly impressed. I honestly have nothing bad at all to say about this book, so I'm just going to ramble on about how purely awesome it was.

One thing I really liked about this book was the fact that it is very action-packed and the plot is always moving forward towards that big moment at the end. However, even though it has a lot of action it never seems choppy or like it's moving too quickly. Everything flows nicely and I never have to do a double-take and reread parts that are too confusing or that just don't make sense, because there are not parts like that. Cassandra Clare really is an excellent writer.

Another thing I adore about this book- well, the whole series, really- is the huge abundance of plot twists. I'll be happily reading along when all of a sudden: OH MY GOSH THAT DID NOT JUST HAPPEN. And then I spend several minutes reassuring myself that yes, it did  just happen. These books keep you on your toes like a ballet dancer, and that's saying something.

I loved this book. Really, that's all I can say. I have no complaints about it whatsoever.

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) 5 out of 5 smileys. Obviously.

Would I recommend it to a friend?: ABSOLUTELY. But read the beginning of the series first. Even if you think you don't like fantasy/paranormal/vampires/werewolves, this isn't your typical series of that genre. Seriously, you won't be disappointed!

Always,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: OCTOBER SKY

Author: Homer H. Hickam Jr.
Number of Pages: 448
Publisher: Dell
Release Date: 1998

Originally published with the title Rocket Boys, this memoir by Homer H. Hickam Jr. recounts his experience as a son of a coal mine superintendent living in Coalwood, West Virginia. The year was 1957, and Homer was inspired by the flight of Sputnik, the Russian satellite, to start building his own mini rockets. He hoped someday that his hard work would get him and his friends all the way to Cape Canaveral, where scientists were working on a way to build rockets that would fly higher and higher.

I remember watching this movie in elementary school, and until recently I had no idea that it was based off of an actual book, never mind a memoir! I had never read a memoir before this, so I was very excited to dive into it.

I loved this book! Hickam's writing style is the perfect balance between description, action, and dialogue, and it makes reading it very enjoyable. I felt like I was there with Homer and his friends building rockets and watching the workers trudge their way to the mine. The story itself is so wonderful that it's hard to believe that it actually occurred in real life. It takes place in such an interesting time in American history, when everyone is both hopeful and a bit sad at the same time. Hickam really incorporates the culture and lifestyle of what it was like to live in a coal mining town in 1950's America, which gives the book a lot more depth and meaning.

Overall, I have nothing bad to say about this book. It was 448 pages of awesomeness! I'm definitely going to watch the movie again soon!

Later,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: THE LOST HERO

Author: Rick Riordan
Number of Pages: 557
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Release Date: October 12, 2010

Jason is utterly confused when he wakes up on a school bus headed to who-knows-where, next to a girl he is convinced he has never seen before in his life. He doesn't remember anything about his past, and he doesn't even know who he is. Even more perplexing is the fact that the girl-her name is Piper- and a boy named Leo claim that they are all best friends attending the Wilderness School, a boarding school for "troubled" or "bad" kids. Things get even wackier when the trio is attacked during a school field trip by strange creatures they have never seen before. Jason, Leo, and Piper end up getting sent to Camp Half-Blood, a place where the children of gods and goddesses can stay in safety- for the most part. This unique trio then embarks on a quest to make things okay again, if that is even possible.

After reading the Percy Jackson series (also by Rick Riordan) I had very high hopes for this book. I really liked how Riordan incorporated mythology into a contemporary story in a way that was both clever and easy to understand. I hoped that he would not lose that skill when writing this companion-like series, and I was not disappointed! This story has plenty of gods and goddesses woven through it, and not just the Greek ones- you get a taste of Roman ones as well. The gods and goddesses focused on in this novel are different from the ones highlighted in the Percy Jackson series, which I appreciated very much. It seems like this book goes more in depth into the cabins of the gods and goddesses that weren't mentioned a lot previously, which gives you a fuller vision of Camp Half-Blood.

This book was written from perspectives that changed between Piper, Jason, and Leo. This was very different from the way the Percy Jackson series was written (with it being told entirely from Percy's point of view) but I really do think that in this case it worked. I don't think that the story was hindered at all by this. In fact, I think it added a lot more depth to not only the book as a whole but the characters as well.

My favorite character was probably Leo. I felt bad for him sometimes, because he was constantly the odd one out where the trio was concerned, mainly due to the fact that Jason and Piper had a little thing going on. However, he was determined nonetheless, and he always made funny comments and cracked jokes to lighten the mood. To me, he seemed like the most realistic character personality-wise.

While I didn't love this novel quite as much as I loved the Percy Jackson series, it was still a great book! I can't wait to read the next one!

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) 5 out of 5 smileys

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Absolutely!

Yours,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: HATE LIST

Author: Jennifer Brown
Number of Pages: 405
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: September 1, 2009

One morning Valerie Leftman's boyfriend, Nick Levil, opened fire in school and killed several students before eventually shooting himself. Not only is Valerie still grieving for Nick five months later, but she is also dealing with the complicated aftermath of the shooting. Valerie had jumped in front of another girl to stop the shooting, taking a bullet to her thigh in the process. But few thought of her as a hero, because Valerie had worked with Nick to build a Hate List. Valerie thought of it as a joke- she never really thought anything would come of it, and she certainly didn't want anyone to die. Nick however, had used the Hate List to choose his targets. When everyone suspects you of a crime you didn't commit, will you ever feel as though you are forgiven?

Before reading Hate List I had never read a book about a school shooting, so I wasn't entirely sure of what to expect. What I thought would be a lot of depressing rambling crunched into the form of a book turned out to be a fantastic novel that really made me think. It was very sad, but there was a lot of hope and happiness in it as well. This book really exceeded my initial expectations.

The fact that this book was written from the point of view of Valerie, the girlfriend of the shooter, made it a lot more interesting to read. Anyone in that position must be feeling emotions that are so contradictory- I don't know how they would handle it. Should you hate him? But he was your boyfriend.... But he killed several people.... But he was so nice to you.....? It must have posed a challenge for the author to write from this perspective, but I think that Jennifer Brown did an excellent job.

Overall, this was a really great book!

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) 5 out of 5 smileys.

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Definitely. Actually, the reason I read this was because a friend recommended it to me.

Yours,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: SERAPHINA

Author: Rachel Hatman
Number of Pages: 467
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Release Date: July 10, 2012

"Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life."

This novel reminded me a lot of Graceling, Fire, and Bitterblue, all by Kristin Cashore. I think it was a mixture of the same writing style and the type of fantasy that it was- which is not at all a bad thing! This kind of castle-and-dragons-and-action-and-fighting fantasy really pulls you in and doesn't let you go. There are so many little details in the plot that all come full circle eventually-something that always make me smile.

Rachel Hartman's unique view on dragons was very interesting and different from other fantasy novels including dragons, such as Eragon by Christopher Paolini (where people ride dragons). Instead, Hartman's dragons can actually take on human form, and they live alongside humans (not that the humans particularly like it). This creative twist on an old subject was very refreshing because it didn't feel like I was reading a book I'd read before. AND THE TWIST AT THE END! You think you know who the culprit is, but NO! IT'S NOT WHO YOU THINK IT IS! I love when books have twists like that!

Overall, this was a really excellent book. I hope there will be a sequel!!!

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) 5 out of 5 smileys.

Would I recommend it to a friend?: If they enjoyed reading fantasy novels, then absolutely!

Yours,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: LOVE & LEFTOVERS

Author: Sarah Tregay
Number of Pages: 432
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Release Date: December 27, 2011

When Marcie's parents get divorced, her life changes drastically. She is forced to move to New Hampshire with her mother, leaving her father behind in Idaho. But that's not all she's leaving behind. Back in Idaho is a group of friends called the Leftovers- teenagers who don't quite fit in with any particular clique at school. Among these Leftovers is Marcie's boyfriend, Linus. So when a cute boy at her new school starts bringing her breakfast and treating her like more of a friend, Marcie isn't quite sure what to do. She should keep in mind that she has a boyfriend- but will she?

I absolutely loved this book. First, it was written in the form of poetry, which was different from most books. However, for this story it totally worked. It let a lot more emotion shine through the writing, instead of getting bogged down with the little details. Also, the whole idea of a group called the Leftovers is something that I think a lot of teenagers can relate to- well, it's something I can relate to, anyway. I felt like the feelings and emotions in this book were realistic for what Marcie was going through. Nothing about the plot felt forced or like it was choppy. All the events flowed with the ease of cause-and-effect. As you can probably tell, I adore Sarah Tregay's writing style!

Love and Leftover's had a really good ending in my opinion- it wasn't too fairy tale happy, yet it still left me feeling satisfied that everything was wrapped up. I guess the word for it would be bittersweet. Overall, this was a really great book!

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) 5 out of 5 smileys.

Would I recommend it to a friend?: YES!

Always,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY

Author: Douglas Adams
Number of Pages: 216
Publisher: Del Ray
Release Date: 1979

"Seconds before the Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy who, for the last fifteen years, has been posing as an out-of-work actor.
Together this dynamic pair begin a journey through space aided by quotes from The Hitchhiker's Guide ("A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have") and a galaxy-full of fellow travelers: Zaphod Beeblebrox--the two-headed, three-armed ex-hippie and totally out-to-lunch president of the galaxy; Trillian, Zaphod's girlfriend (formally Tricia McMillan), whom Arthur tried to pick up at a cocktail party once upon a time zone; Marvin, a paranoid, brilliant, and chronically depressed robot; Veet Voojagig, a former graduate student who is obsessed with the disappearance of all the ballpoint pens he bought over the years."
                                                                                                  - Goodreads.com

So after many people recommended this book to me, I finally checked it out of the library and read it. And I have to say, I wasn't disappointed. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a funny, silly, and utterly random book. It was very enjoyable to read, and I found myself laughing out loud at it's awesome humor.

My favorite character was probably Ford Prefect. I mean, how cool would it be to travel around in outer space, taking notes and doing research and experiencing things that only few people get to witness? Getting stuck on Earth for fifteen years really stinks, but other than that he really has the coolest job out there.

I really enjoyed this book, even though it was a bit different from the science fiction that I usually read. It was fun and silly but not so random that it didn't make sense.

For all of you who recommended it to me, thank you!

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) 5 out of 5 smileys.

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Definitely.

Yours,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: CITY OF ASHES

Author: Cassandra Clare
Number of Pages: 453
Publisher: Margaret k. McElderry Books
Release Date: March 25, 2008

WARNING: For anyone who hasn't read the first book in this series, City of Bones, this review may contain spoilers.

In this sequel to City of Bones, the adventures continue as Clary, Simon, Jace, and the whole gang struggle defeat Valentine and his clever, cruel plots. More of Luke's history is revealed, as well as a deeper look into Downworlder life and the mercilessness of the Clave. Will Clary and Jace come to terms with each other now that they know they are related? Will Clary's mother wake up from her "coma" or will she continue to puzzle not only mundane doctors but the Shadowhunters themselves?

I have to say, so far this series is AMAZING. With multiple plot lines going at once you never get bored, and all of the details and events come full circle in a way that leaves you feeling satisfied. My favorite character is probably Luke. He's just a likable guy who can put things into action and who is always there for those that he loves. Also, he runs a bookstore, so that's a big plus. :)

I've been reading a lot of reviews of this series on Goodreads and other websites, and quite a few people say that Cassandra Clare is ripping off J.K. Rowling. I guess she's using J.K. Rowling's writing style....????? I don't really see that. As a matter of fact, I think that their writing styles are pretty different from each other. So if you're worried that this might be another Harry Potter rip off, don't worry- in my opinion, it definitely isn't one.

There was a MAJOR cliff hanger at the end of this book, so I can't wait to read the next one!!!
My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) 5 out of 5 smileys.

Would I recommend it to a friend?: ABSOLUTELY! But you have to read the first book first. (obviously.)

Yours,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: THE STATISTICAL PROBABILITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

Author: Jennifer E.Smith
Number of Pages: 236
Publisher: Poppy/Little Brown
Release Date: January 2, 2012

Hadley Sullivan is convinced that flying across the Atlantic Ocean to attend her father's second wedding- in which he is marrying a woman that Hadley has never officially met- will end in disaster. So when she misses her flight by only four measly minutes and is forced to take the next flight, she doesn't know what to think. Then she meets Oliver- a handsome British boy on Hadley's flight to England. In the twenty-four hour period that this novel spans, Hadley realizes that it just might be possible to fall in love at first sight.

I found this book very enjoyable to read, and I was thinking about it for the longest time after I finished it. This novel is almost like a fairy tale because it has a happy ending that leaves you hanging but feeling satisfied at the same time. Yet the abundance of happiness is not annoying, like it is in some other books I have read. And I absolutely loved Oliver!!! One: He's British. Two: He's very kind. Three: He's funny, smart, courageous, helpful, caring..... the list goes on and on!

I also loved the title, even though it is incredibly long. I hate when books have titles or covers that don't correspond at all with what the actual story is about, but this one isn't like that. The way the title ties in with the book is so adorable.

Overall, this was a fun, quick read that I have no complaints about.

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) 5 out of 5 smileys.

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Definitely!
Always,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: CITY OF BONES

Author: Cassandra Clare
Number of Pages: 485
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release Date: March 27, 2007

"When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . ."
                                                                                                           - Goodreads.com

This book was recommended to me so frequently that finally I just said, "FINE! I'LL READ IT!!!" I am so happy I did!!! Cassandra Clare created a world within these pages that is so unique and captivating that you can't help but be pulled in. There were so many twists and turns that I had to stop every once in a while and convince myself that the unthinkable event that just occurred did actually happen. AND THAT THING AT THE END WITH JACE!!!! HOLY COW!!!! You'll see what I mean if-WHEN- you read it. The pacing of the book was great- it didn't drag on too much, yet it didn't go so fast that it made me very confused.

I honestly have no complaints about this book. There's fantasy, romance, suspense, an abundance of action.... what more could you want? And to make it even better the story continues in several more books! I cannot wait to read them all!!!!

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) 5 out of 5 smileys

Would I recommend it to a friend?: ABSOLUTELY!!!

Yours,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: NERDS

Author: David Anderegg
Number of Pages: 304
Publisher: Penguin Group
Release Date: 2007
What is a nerd? Are nerds and geeks the same thing, or are they different? How did the nerd and geek stereotypes come to be? Why are they most common in kids in the middle school age range? How are these stereotypes impacting what American students are choosing as their careers or professions? David Anderegg attempts to answer these important questions as well as many more in this eye-opening novel that shows just how much power a label can have.

I saw this book at my local used bookstore and inside my head I screamed, "OH MY GOSH I MUST HAVE THIS BOOK!" I am a self-proclaimed nerd, and I often get frustrated when my peers give me strange looks, saying, "Hold on- you like school?" or "You actually enjoy reading?" Yes! I want to shout at them. I am a person who cares more about novels than television, who likes to learn things and enjoys going to school (for the most part). So this book really interested me.

I was not disappointed at all. I think that David Anderegg did an excellent job at trying to explain the nerd and geek stereotypes. He uses evidence from his own studies as well as those of others. Even though I didn't completely agree with all of his ideas, it was still a great book. (For example, he said that nerds are commonly interested technology, including computers, video games, science, math, etc. But what about literature nerds? HMM????) This book also brought up some really interesting points that I had not thought of before.

Example: Let's say that in seventh grade, a boy gets picked on for being a "nerd". He is seen as an outcast because he enjoys math and science classes. Since he associates math and science with being bullied, he is more likely to stay away from those classes in high school. This means that he is also less likely to choose to go into a profession such as engineering because he doesn't have the necessary background knowledge. This chain of events is occurring all across the country and it is impacting the number of science and math degrees given out each year.

Overall, this was an excellent book.

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) 5 out of 5 smileys.

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Absolutely!!!!!

Always,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: THE SECRETS OF THE IMMORTAL NICHOLAS FLAMEL SERIES

 Author: Michael Scott
Number of Pages:
The Alchymest ~ 375
The Magician ~ 461
The Sorceress ~ 483
The Necromancer ~ 389
The Warlock ~ 380
The Enchantress ~ 509
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

"He holds the secret that can end the world.
The truth: Nicholas Flamel was born in Paris on September 28, 1330. Nearly 700 years later, he is acknowledged as the greatest Alchemyst of his day. It is said that he discovered the secret of eternal life.
The records show that he died in 1418.
But his tomb is empty.
The legend: Nicholas Flamel lives. But only because he has been making the elixir of life for centuries. The secret of eternal life is hidden within the book he protects—the Book of Abraham the Mage. It's the most powerful book that has ever existed. In the wrong hands, it will destroy the world. That's exactly what Dr. John Dee plans to do when he steals it. Humankind won't know what's happening until it's too late. And if the prophecy is right, Sophie and Josh Newman are the only ones with the power to save the world as we know it.
Sometimes legends are true.
And Sophie and Josh Newman are about to find themselves in the middle of the greatest legend of all time."
                                                - Goodreads.com

When I first picked up these books, I though they were going to be like any other fantasy book. Little did I know that this series was full of complex plot lines, characters with incredible depth, mythology that would make my head spin. There is just so much detail in these books. That's the main reason I didn't write my own summary for this one- there are so many tiny details that I had no clue where to begin.

There were so many things I like about this series. First, it was different from a lot of other fantasy books I have read (and trust me, I've read A LOT of fantasy). It was based on mythology, but not common mythology. There are many books out there that are based on Greek, Egyptian, or Roman mythology, such as the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. Now, as much as I love Percy Jackson, it was nice to read about something different. These books were a little mixture of everything, but it was mainly based on the mythology of Atlantis, and how it fell. I found this extremely interesting because I had never really though about this side of mythology before.

Also, I liked how all of the covers are nearly as detailed as the books are. I mean, look at them! Each cover tells a story of its own, sort of leading you to wonder what the story behind it tells. These covers are also really neat because after reading each novel, you will understand (with a little thinking, of course) why the book is titled what it is. All these little bits and pieces of additional elements make these books the amazing series that they are.

Another thing I really liked about this series was how everything sort of came full circle at the very end. Since I am very picky with endings, I usually do not like them. However, I absolutely loved the ending of this series. Everything came to a close, and most importantly, it made sense according to what happened in the book.

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) I rate this entire series 5 out of 5 stars.

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Absolutely!

Yours,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: THE OUTCASTS OF 19 SCHUYLER PLACE

Author: E.L. Konigsburg
Number of Pages: 304
Publisher: Aladdin
Release Date: January 1, 2004

The summer Margaret Rose Kane is sent to Camp Talequa is the summer in which everything will change for her. When her Uncles rescue her from this monarchy of a summer camp, she finds that not everything is okay. Her uncles are being awfully strange, with their avoidance of maintaining the Towers' breathtaking appearance and their irritable attitudes. What is the cause of these unusual changes? Will Margaret be able to make everything normal again?

I absolutely love this book. Seriously. I've read it about four or five times, and every time I read it I fall in love with it all over again. E. L. Konigsburg's writing style is so great- it's descriptive, witty, and very realistic. I've read most of her books, and they are all well worth reading.

This book holds a story that is fun and unique. It captures the cruelness of tween girls and the unfairness of the world with surprising accuracy. I found myself laughing out loud at parts because Konigsburg knows how to make her readers chuckle. Overall, this is an amazing read.

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) :0)

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Absolutely.

Yours,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: INTO THE WILD

Author: Jon Krakauer
Number of Pages: 207
Publisher: Anchor
Release Date: January 13, 1996

"In April 1992 a young man from a well-to-do family hitchhiked to Alaska and walked alone into the wilderness north of Mt. McKinley. His name was Christopher Johnson McCandless. He had given $25,000 in savings to charity, abandoned his car and most of his possessions, burned all the cash in his wallet, and invented a new life for himself. Four months later, his decomposed body was found by a moose hunter. How McCandless came to die is the unforgettable story of Into the Wild."
                                                      - Goodreads.com

If you want a book that will really make you think, than you should pick this one up! This book is so well written, and everything is explained very well. The story itself is amazing, but the writing itself makes it that much better. I usually don't read non-fiction sort of books like this, but this one held my attention the entire way through. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book.

Chris McCandless' story is just so heart-wrenching. It's been a few days since I've finished this book, yet I still do not know whether to be happy for Chris or sad. Part of me wants to be happy, because he went out and accomplished what he wanted to do, and for many months he seemed extremely happy. On the other hand, his pursuit for happiness and satisfaction with life ultimately resulted in his own death. I have mixed feelings, but I think that's to be expected as this story is hardly cut-and-dry.

I read this with small groups in my English class, but it could easily be read alone without any issues. However, it was nice to be able to discuss the major points of this book with others, because there really is a lot to think about.

Overall, this was an amazing book. I have nothing bad to say about it!

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) 5 out of 5 smileys

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Absolutely.

Yours,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: THE PROBABILITY OF MIRACLES

Author: Wendy Wunder
Number of Pages: 360
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: December 8, 2011

Cam Cooper has spent countless hours in hospitals over the past seven or so years, fighting with all her might to get better. So when the doctors tell her there's nothing more they can do, she feels lost. That's when her mother decides to bring Cam and her younger sister, Perry, on a road trip to Promise, Maine. It is in this small New England town that miracles are said to occur. As the story progresses, Cam learns more about her family, romance, what it means to be happy, and above all, herself.

I really enjoyed this book! Usually I do not like really sad books, but this one was actually very good. Like John Green's The Fault in Our Stars, it was sad at the end, but the book itself more than made up for it. The writing was excellent as well. It was very descriptive and the characters- especially the main one, Cam- had a lot of depth to them. I loved how it talked about Disney World, because I have an obsession with that place, and I could picture almost everything that was mentioned. Overall, this book was great!

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) 5 out of 5 smileys. No complaints here!

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Yes. Even if you do not normally enjoy sad books, please read this! It is well worth your time.

Hugs,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: A NORTHERN LIGHT

Author: Jennifer Donnelly
Number of Pages: 396
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Release Date: September 1, 2004

"Sixteen-year-old Mattie Gokey has big dreams but little hope of seeing them come true. Desperate for money, she takes a job at the Glenmore, where hotel guest Grace Brown entrusts her with the task of burning a secret bundle of letters. But when Grace's drowned body is fished from the lake, Mattie discovers that the letters could reveal the grim truth behind a murder."
                                                     - Goodreads.com

I picked this book up at a local used bookstore and thought that it might be an okay read, but nothing spectacular.Well I was totally wrong! Jennifer Donnelly is an amazing writer who creates characters with so much depth and personality. I loved how she incorporated words into the book because it kept everything connected in a way-plus, I got to broaden my vocabulary a bit. The fact that this is historical fiction and based on an actual event makes it an even better novel in my eyes. Overall, A Northern Light is an amazing book that I'm so glad I took the time to read.

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) 5 out of 5 smileys

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Definitely! Especially those who are fans of historical fiction/ murder mysteries. This book is sort of a mixture of both.

Hugs,
NutFreeNerd