I Read, you should, too!
This year, I am extending a challenge to all students to read 30 books before the end of the school year. That is roughly 1 book a week. This may seem overwhelming, but if you choose to take the challenge I promise you will see the benefits in all your classes and overall quality of life.
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Mrs. Jones' Book Reviews
 The Line That Held Us by David JoyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars This book wove it's way into my heart. I was fortunate enough to listen to the audible version for part of it and the narration was perfect. I sincerely felt both Calvin's and Dwayne's pain. The most shocking, however, was the way the author soften the rock hard exterior of Dwayne by letting the reader in on his innermost thoughts-his concern for his brother, his desire to make the world a better place, and ultimately his mercy in the final hour. This book moved me. And, I must mention that the pictures painted by the beautiful imagery was astounding. Well-done! View all my reviews  What the Wind Knows by Amy HarmonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars I absolutely loved reading this book. I loved the characters, time period, conflict, time travel, historical event, and ending...man what a great ending! I'm definitely a sucker for happy endings. However, this book was not filled with happiness. Learning about the Easter Rising and the Irish fight for independence was not a happy experience. However, one thing that I appreciate from well-written historical fiction is that it instills in me a desire to learn more about the event that shapes the story. I found Amy Harmon's development of the main character to be quite linear in the regards to the revealing more of her personality and her story. I was grateful for the ever so light sprinkling of characteristics and backstory. I kept the question of Eoin's intentions in the back of my mind and wasn't disappointed when I came to the conclusion that is was his love for Anne that held his secrets for decades. Well done! View all my reviews |
 Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada KellyMy rating: 4 of 5 stars This story is told from many different perspectives which are all stitched together nicely in the end for a beautiful patchwork of coincidences. I have to say that I kept glancing at the cover as I read. With each new character revealed I closed the book and identified who each character was. This book was quite predictable but I enjoyed the creative characters and found myself smiling as I finished the last page. View all my reviews  A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan DoyleMy rating: 5 of 5 stars I have always loved Sherlock Holmes. I find him an intriguing character. The power of his deductive mind is fascinating to me. The fact that, in all actuality, he is the figment of someone else's imagination is baffling. The way Sir Arthur Conan Doyle writes Sherlock's thoughts and actions is amazing. I was a bit put off when, just as we were to find out who was the murderer, the story shifted to part two. However, I quickly began piecing together the plot myself. I am excited to continue the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. View all my reviews  The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen WangMy rating: 5 of 5 stars I could truly go on and on about this book. The story is deep and powerful. The characters are complex. I was enthralled from the very beginning. Many librarians have had an aversion to this story because of the cross-dressing feature, however, I was so engaged. I loved the way the characters interacted. I also loved the build and flow of the plot. For a graphic novel, the depth is impressive. I truly went on an emotional roller coaster ride with both the Prince and the Dressmaker. Well-done! View all my reviews |
 Restart by Gordon KormanMy rating: 4 of 5 stars Gordon Korman does it again. Wouldn't we all like a "do over". In this story, Chases Ambrose, gets just that. However, he's not sure what he is doing over. He can't remember a thing before falling off his roof. As he engages with so-called friends and even enemies he finds that he doesn't really like the person he once was. This story shows that a person can change and that kindness can go a long way. View all my reviews  Educated: A Memoir by Tara WestoverMy rating: 5 of 5 stars I'm not sure what to write. This book was very poignant. The writing was beautiful; the story chilling. In many ways, I can relate to the author's passion for learning. However, the driving force I feel is different. I cannot imagine being brought up in such ignorance and being made aware of that ignorance at a university. I was curious about the family and situation which bred such hatred, malice, violence, and yet inspired such strong, intelligent human beings. It seems that the author was unafraid of what repercussions would arise for the family. I find the book brave and inspiring. View all my reviews  Skyward by Brandon SandersonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars Wow! Once again Brandon Sanderson has provided an amazing science fiction background for the growth and development of deep characters. One element of this story that I appreciated was that one of those deep characters was not human. The introduction and subsequent progression of M Bot was an added detail that enriched the science fiction element of the storyline. I enjoyed asking the same questions as the characters and wondering where things would go. I am looking forward to reading book 2 in this excellent series. View all my reviews |
