Student book reviews

A review of “After” by Amy Efaw

BY NIKI CLEMEN

The book “After,” written by Amy Efaw, is about a girl who has made an unthinkable choice in her life. The book written from the perspective of the 15-year old main character Devon Davenport. She has spent nine months in denial of her pregnancy. When a baby is discovered in a garbage can, Devon is accused after she is found hemorrhaging in her apartment. She then becomes a prisoner at a detention center, a place she believes she should not be in. When Devon goes to trial, will she plead guilty, or will she choose to stay in denial? What happened to the baby? All these questions are answered when you read this crazy, enticing book.

A review of “This Lullaby” by Sarah Dessen

BY BRITTNI WENDLING

In this novel, the main character, Remy, isn’t a typical teenage girl. Her life has never exactly been considered normal, and she’s had to grow up very quickly. Her father left when she was little, leaving her with nothing more than a song he wrote when she was born.  On top of that, Remy’s mother goes through spouses like paper towels. She has been married four times, and she is taking on the process of preparing for her fifth marriage. However, Remy is the one who is forced to throw everything together for the wedding, just as she has done in the past. Remy has grown up watching her mother’s corrupted relationships, so Remy is used to being in short-term relationships herself. She has a pattern of ending romance when things get too serious. Having recently graduated high school, Remy is focused on just making it through the summer and going to college. Her plans change when she meets Dexter, a dorky boy who is determined to use his charm to win Remy over, no matter what it takes. Unlike the other relationships, Remy just can’t seem to let Dexter go. Is Remy finally opening her eyes to what real love is centered around? Once you start this book, you’ll have a hard time putting it down!

A review of “The Hobbit”

BY BRE HONKOMP

“The Hobbit,” by J.R.R. Tolkien, is a heartfelt adventure novel about Bilbo Baggins. He is a quiet and laidback hobbit whose life changes when the wizard Gandalf brings a group of 13 dwarves into Bilbo’s home. Bilbo agrees to go on a quest with the dwarves to reclaim what the dragon, Smaug, has stolen from them. Bilbo must fight off trolls, giant spiders, Smaug, and Gollum. As they journey to the dwarves’ home, the groups of adventurers face many hardships that they must overcome together. The book keeps you on the edge of your seat, making it hard to put down. It is a great idea to read it before the movie comes out on Dec. 14, staring Martin Freeman and Ian McKellen. Go ahead and pick up this brilliant action-packed novel, and start reading!