Blood On My Hands

I am reading "Blood on my hands" by Todd Strasser. This story is about a young girl named Callie,who has been framed for murder of one of her classmates, and ex best friend, Katherine. Callie has no idea why she is being framed for the murder an is now in hiding and seeking help from her ex boyfriend Slade. So far this book is very mysterious and interesting. I am excited to read more... I really excited to find out who actually killed Katherine and why they are framing Callie. The book clearly has really good cliffhangers!

"The Circle"

I just started "The Circle" by Dave Eggers. I chose to read this book because it seemed interesting. It is about a girl named Mae who just got hired to the world's most powerful internet company, the Circle. As her experience at the company continues, however, she begins to be isolated from the outside world, have strange encounters with colleagues, and her job at the company becomes increasingly public. This book seems interesting because it discusses some of today's real life issues that include right to privacy and the limits of human knowledge. 

After continuing to read "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn, more of the plot has begun to be uncovered. Nick's wife of five years, Amy, has gone missing and police have gotten involved. It is revealed that Nick has lied to the police 11 times at this point causing him to look suspicious to the readers. Why is he lying?

Four

The book Four, it is interesting talks about the main character whose name is  Tobias Eaton, and he is at the Hub for the Choosing Ceremony where he is going to choose his faction. He does not have a good relationship with his father, his father is constantly beating him, and he wants to choose a faction that his father does not expect him to, so he can feel all the pain that Tobias felt through 16 years that he had been living with his father.

Katie Kurz
Today in class I began a new book called Unbreak My Heart by Melissa Walker. I finished my first book Pivot Point and began this romance. On the inside flap of the book there are 6 small clues about the story, each of what intrigued me to read it. I love a good romance story and decided after my last book which was kind of romance/sci-fi, I would go for a more traditional, realistic story. So far in what I have read today in class, I have learned about Clementine a girl who's a junior in high school. Her family is taking a trip on their boat for the entire summer and adventuring out in the water. In the story so far Clementine seems to be very upset and grumpy about this family trip, but we aren't sure yet why. I am guessing she either just broke up with someone or she got in a fight with her good friend Amanda, but Clementine is revealing it slowly and bit by bit. For the whole summer she is going to be stuck on a boat with her younger sister and her parents, which she is less than thrilled about. I am eager to find out what has made her so upset before the story started.

Heyy fellow bloggers, my book where she went by gayle Forman is the sequel to if I stay. So far in the book Mia is in New York city with her band in a tour. She meets Adam who lives in New York and he is her ex who she hasn't seen in years. So we will se what Happens

Getting into the Glass Castle

Dear Blog,
As I get further into the book, the more I am shocked at the authors tone. The story line keeps getting more complicated but Jeannette keeps telling the story in a calm, unbiased way. So far she has moved around so much I can barely keep track of her past homes. Jeannette doesn't seem to mind any of the home problems that are deeply troubling. The parents are very open about cursing, fighting and stealing which they support all of. Their values include treasuring the Earth for what it is and fighting civilization. Bringing their own child to the hospital is a pain enough, especially since Jeannette has picked up on the fact they are in trouble with the law. The father tells them in a fun, kiddish way that they are on a mission and can't be caught. Jeannette's tone is so impartial and interesting from a normal, judging adult tone. So far I am really enjoying the Glass Castle.


Tess

If I Stay

In If I Stay, by Gayle Forman, we have been introduced to most of the characters. So far, Mia is still in the ICU being cared for by the nurses. She continues to walk around the hospital and share with us flashbacks from her life with her parents, her best friend, Kim, and her boyfriend, Adam. She realized already that her parents have died, and that it was her choice if she wanted to stay, without a family, or go. After this her best friend Kim calls her boyfriend, Adam who comes right away and tries to see her. Because he isn't immediate family, he can't see her and gets into a huge fight with the nurse. Adam and Kim try to dress up as nurses to see her, but they cannot find the clothes. That is all I have read so far! Page (130)

So far the main character and her father have traveled to Honolulu on Oahu for medical tests. Whgile this is happening, world leaders start to disappear and the stock market crashes. We know something is wrong, possibly a global sister but we do not yet know what. However it may be connected with a meteor that crashed into the Pacific Ocean.

Maggie Defrancesco- Gone Girl

Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn opens up very slowly. I like the way the author writes the book as it switches from Nick's point of view to Amy's point of view. It opens slowly showing Nick and Amy's dynamics in their relationship. Nick and Amy seem like they love eachother, but there is clearly many underlying issues within their relationship. When Nick comes home to find the house messy, with the iron still on and the door wide open, it's obvious that something strange is going on. I believe that Amy has something to do with her disappearance. I have not seen the movie, but its clear that the detectives suspect Nick in taking some part in her disappearance. I think there will be many upcoming issues as we uncover Amy's secrets within her diary entries as Nick continues on with the current time. I enjoy this book very much and am exicted to continue reading and uncover where Amy went and why she was there.

I have finished the book FOUR and had quite enjoyed it. I liked seeing the story I orginally read from another person point of view. What I liked most about this book is that Ihad finally have been given a backround for the main character FOUR.

1-50 Touch And Go

 In the first 50 pages of this book, many things have happened. All of these ideas that the author has weaved through the text has grasped my attention. The thing that has grabbed my attention is  the murder within the first 6 pages of the book. The guy who got murdered was a wealthy bussines man, who is the husband to the main character. The wife is the main character and has many problems. She feels under appreciated and needs to take pills to fight depression. She is also developing an on going alchool problem.

Four - By Veronica Roth: Update 1

Based on today's progression in my chosen book, Four by Veronica Roth, the main character, Tobias Eaton, voluntarily left his original faction for his new faction, Dauntless.  With that, he chose to leave his home, his forbidden treasures, and abusive father. He is starting anew, and doesn't know what's next for him.

Chasing Lincoln's Killer Blog!

Hey guys, I've got an update on my book Chasing Lincoln's Killer.  If you're looking for a great time reading a book then I suggest you get to your library and check this out.  So far, it gives a preface about Lincoln and what he has done.  The part I like most so far is when Lincoln is preparing to give a speech and his son, Tad, is always by his side.  For example the narrator says, "When someone in the crowd shouted that he couldn't see the president, Lincoln's son Tad volunteered to illuminate his father.  When Lincoln dropped  each page of his speech to the floor, it was Tad who scooped them up" (7).  If Tad isn't the best son ever, I don't know who is.  Anyway, so far in the book, there isn't a lot said about who John Wilkes Booth is.  However the book does tell us who organized John Wilkes Booth's manhunt.  That man is Edwin M. Stanton who helped the search a lot for John Wilkes Booth. What a great story so far.

COOL BLOG ON HEART OF THE SEA

Hey followers, Im here to update the world on my story in the heart of the sea, turn up! So far I have been reading this history action adventure so rad! I have met this young boy Thomas Nickerson, that has been talking in the third person for like ever, not cool :(. But his story is tots rads he is just a young boy who has been waiting like all his life to get on a boat and join his dads legacy has a boatsmen who hunts whales, #respect. But he got on one of the crummiest boat, the essex, and after being on the boat for a week already is missing his home town of nantucket. It is like he is going to summer camp but for like three years, #I know that feeling. There is also so much history one thing that stuck out to me was that they would have the boys train on the ropes all of there life, they loved playing on ropes almost as much I like soup. I like this story this has been you host with the most Charlie s peace!;)

Third Rail Russell Walker

       Starting today on Chapter 6 the book as been very intreesting. The main character Harkness has lost his gun after a long night of partying. He is also being promoted and needs to make sure his lutendent doesnt found out that he lost his gun. It is a very specific model model so he can now just go out and get another one. He is worried that if he tells his lutendent that he lost the gun he will not get the promotion he so very much wants. He is having trouble believing who took the gun and re tracing his steps. He retraces his steps for hours but cannot seem to find it anywhere. He almost blames the girl he slept with the night before but then decides that it wouldn't be her because he was with her all night. He doesn't know whether it just fell out of his pocket or if someone stole it off of him at the party. He is going to be late to work if he keeps looking so he goes to a store and buys a toy gun that looks like it for the time being. Crazy book so far cant wait to see what happens next.

Live on Bloggers!
-Russell Walker

Alex Welsh- Summary to Chapt. 5 (Third Rail)

 Up to chapter 5 in Third Rail, we meet the main character, Eddy. His nickname is Harkness because that is his last name and that's what they call him at the police station. So far we see that he is a cop who likes to live life hardcore. He likes to party whenever he gets a chance. Cops are usually responsible when it comes to partying, but not Harkness. Harkness goes hard when he parties. He had a very interesting night which is when the book starts off. We see that after he is in the bar he takes the owner of the bar's daughter. They knew each other and we got a sense that they both were into eachother. They go to a party after the bar and then they get super wasted. Even though they know what they are doing while they are drunk, they are extremely drunk. They walk to her house and they were hobbling around the street. When they got to her house and they got a little "crazy". The real crisis heppens when he wakes up. He list his gun. He looked everywhere in her hosue and at the party house and couldn't find it. So he wondered if he lost it when he was in the streets. Still couldn't find it. So he went to the convinience store and they guy was saying he banned him that night and he was to never go there again. When the convinience store man told him what heppened the night before with Harkness and his gun, Harkness found out that was the last place he had it. But, he still couldn't find it. He walked back on the streets where he was the night before and looked under cars and under trash but couldn't find it. Then, he saw a kid. He told the kid if he ever found the gun to tell him because the kid was neighbors with his girlfriend. He paid the kid $1000 to try and find the gun, but we know that if he finds the gun, he's just gonna keep it.

Keep it Right and Keep it Tight,

        Alex Welsh

If I Stay - Gayle Forman

I chose "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman.
I chose this because I really like sad love stories, and think that the format of this book will be very interesting. I think it is cool how she is a "ghost" and goes from the past to the present really quickly. I think I will find this book very meaningful and interesting!

Touch & Go---- Lisa Gardner

     I chose this book because of all the constant buzz about it. Some of my friends told me that they read it and that it was a very suspenseful, and thrilling. It looked like a very good book and something that grasped my attention and something that I really wanted to read.

Every day

I picked the book every day because it looks really interesting with lots of action and a really cool topic. I am super pumped to start reading it.

Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn

Due to the way the book lured me into it's story, I was intrigued by questions that the story raised into my head. I've seen the of trailers the movie which also caused me to want to read it. I love these kinds of tense thrillers that keep me reading.


Update #1:
I am really enjoying my book so far, I was easily pulled into the plot. Many of my family members have been urdging me to continue reading so we can all talk about it. However, its hard to make time to read with a busy schedule.
While switching from chapter to chapter its difficult to have your mind switch from each perspective of Nick Dunne and Amy Dunne. I like the way Flynn takes you from the present time of Amy's absence to what their relationship was like before.

Tess Rosenberg

I chose this book because of the buzz it carries among all ages. Although I've heard it has some deep things, both people my age and way older have recommended this book. I have read the prologue before and honestly was so hooked. I even tried stealing the book a couple time from my friend at camp. The reviews praise her for her ability to tell a heart-wrenching story without complaining. I think her style of writing could teach me a lot about reading/writing.

The Islands at the Endo of The World- Russo

I chose The Islands At The End Of The World for two reasons. The book is based in Hawaii, and after spending three weeks there two years ago, I can't get enough of the island paradise. While I was there everything was perfect, it was a true vacation and we had a lot of amazing experiences and I met a lot of new people, Therefore, the location sparked my interest and the summary page brought back great memories. The other reason is because of the summary. The book is very similar to the T.V. show Revolution, where all power and the world goes out and militias are formed. People fightfor land and food. This book seems exactly the same, except power goes out while the main characters are on Hawaii not in Philadelphia and New York. So I enjoy the location and the show was very interesting, therefore I am guessing that I will greatly enjoy the book.
Ryan Russo

Alex Welsh "Third Rail" by Rory Flynn

Alex Welsh
The reason I chose this book is because I enjoy the type of books that are solving things. Whether it's a crime scene or a murder or anything. I feel as if I can enjoy this book and get into it because it was of my choice. Usually when I pick a book I am very into it. It is because I don't have to do what the entire class is doing. This book seems very interesting and I am very excited to read it.

Once I read the back of the book I knew I would be hooked because it is in my favorite city one, and two because it has that mystery feel to it. Mysteries are one of my favorite genres because they always keep the reader hooked. Turning the next page is always so tempting so I do it and don't dread it. I am very excited to read this book because it suits my taste in book reading very well.

Maggie Defrancesco, "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn

I chose to read Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn because of the movie trailer. When I saw the movie trailer in theaters, it looked like a very good mystery and I could tell it had a good ending. So I told my grandma about it and she said she loved the book. So I decided that this is the perfect opportunity to read the book since it is now required that we read a book. I look forward to reading this and uncovering the mystery.

Hailey Daniel- "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn

I chose "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn for one of my semester books for several reasons. My mom read the book on her own time and has raved about it ever since. Also, I saw the movie trailer for it and I am very interested in seeing it, so of course I would prefer to read the book ahead of time to compare the two.

"The Nazi Hunters"

I chose to read "The Nazi Hunters" by Neal Bascomb. I chose to read this book because I am really interested in World War II. The book itself has been on my reading list for a while now and I'm really excited to read it. The book is about a group of spies and Holocaust survivors tracking down Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi official who had sent hundreds of Jews to their deaths during WWII. I'm also excited to learn how the man that was responsible for one of the most evil acts in world history was caught. 

Katie Kurz - "Pivot Point" by Kasie West

I chose the book Pivot Point by Kasie West because after reading the back, I was already so interested. This book is about a girl whose parents get divorced and she is forced to choose between her mom and her dad. Addison and her family have a special power where they can see the future. Using her power, she looks to the future to see which would be the more preferable outcome. She's faced with many questions and challenges throughout the book.

Siena Potenza: Gillian Flynn, Gone Girl. I chose this book because it looked very suspenseful and seemed like the type of book to keep you on edge. I am sure I will enjoy reading it.

Maura Kelley - "Four" by Veronica Roth

I chose to read the novel, Four by Veronica Roth because I LOVED Divergent (the first book in the series, in which Four is from), and I have wanted to read this prequel ever since I heard that it was coming out.  After I read this, I plan on finishing the whole Divergent series, and I am excited to do so.

Evan Levinsky - Chasing Lincoln's Killer

Evan Levinsky - Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson.  I chose this book because I always was curious about Lincoln's killer and what happened to him.  I never knew much about his death and I want to learn more.

Semester Reading Assignment

In addition to the books we read in class, you will have the opportunity to read books of your own choosing this semester.  For some of you this may mean only one book, while for others it could mean ten books.  You are required to read at least one full additional book.  We will have time in class for reading in addition to the reading you will do outside of class, so there is plenty of time to have that first book read by December vacation.

You will keep track of the books you’re reading and submit “One Pagers” and posts on the blog.  You’ll receive more details about this, but the point is to keep reading!  Try out new genres, find some new books and authors that you like.  Some of you mentioned that you never read a book that made you laugh.  For those of you who haven’t laughed while reading a book, it’s time to find one!

So today, find your book.

Accept the invitation I sent you to blogger.com for our class book site.

• Login using your school google account
• Create a post with your book title, picture of the book, and why you chose that book

Tips for using blogger.com

• Type your response out in an email, word doc, google doc or copy and paste before you click submit in case the website times out as you write
• After you click ‘publish,’ go onto the site and make sure you’re post is there
• If it’s not there you have the text you wrote saved in another doc or have copied it so you can paste it back in
• If it’s still not working for some reason, email me your post so I can see you did it, and we can always post together to work out any of the kinks

Jenni Fagan's Panopticon

I chose Jenni Fagan's Panopticon as one of my semester reads for several reasons.  First I am familiar with Jeremy Bentham's panopticon design from Foucault's Discipline and Punish and was interested to see how/if Foucault's work was brought into this novel of a teenage girl.  Second, I saw the blurb from one of my favorite writers, Irvine Welsh, touting Fagan as a new voice in Scottish literature using the vernacular.

So far I've read about 70 pages, and the main character, Anais, certainly has my attention!  When the book starts, she is just entering the new facility, the panopticon and trying to navigate her way through.  As the story continues, she begins to reveal portions of her life, some of it vividly distorted from the opiates she takes as an escape from her world.  One is never quite sure what is actually taking place and what is a hallucination on her part.  What is vague, however, is exactly what transpires to get her to the facility, although it appears she has killed a police officer.

Anais seems to have a few people in her life that she could count on and is beginning to acquaint herself with her fellow inmates.  There's Brian, who has killed a dog in a most disturbing way, which she considers a worse, more horrific offense than her crime.   However, she does seem to wonder about this, asking herself if it is indeed worse.

I'm anticipating that Anais will continue to reveal more as she trusts her reader more, just as she begins to open up to the other inmates.  While I'm not quite sure that I like her as a character, there are certainly moments of empathy.  Is she a kid who has found herself in difficult situations because she is on the search for a family/loved ones or is she truly distrubed and unsaveable is question still to be determined.