Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less by Jeffery Archer

Multi-millionaires. Did every millionaire make their money by rightful means? Well not this one. Harvey Metcalfe is a smart crook. Right now he has a big scam going on. The promised riches of the oil trade are completely fake and four men find themselves penniless overnight. But he cheated the wrong people this time. The four - an heir to an earldom, a doctor, an art dealor, an Oxford professor all plot an extravagent plan for revenge. Will they be successful in scamming the big scammer himself? A book-like drama of the famous Ocean 11, Ocean 12, Ocean 13 series. The tension is high and huge amounts of money are at stake.
I rate this book a 7/10

The Spy Who Came in From the Cold

The Spy Who Came in From the Cold is the book that was recommended to me for the English authors theme.

The book was okay, not something to go all crazy about and yet not something too dull for reading. It's a really hard book to read, and everything happens really quickly that it is hard to understand what is happening.
Nevertheless, from what I read, it appears to be about some spy who wants to retire, and has one last mission to do before he can.
The ending is quite tragic, and there is a major twist in the plot further in the book. But the book is really hard to understand - that's a really big issue. Most descriptions are nice and short - which is good. Some parts were a little boring but if you keep on, it does get more interesting.

Overall, it gets a 5.5/10 from me because I had a really hard time keeping up with it, although it does have a good plot.

The Fellowship of the Ring

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. One of the greatest books written and also a great film (because it's made in NZ)!!.

Everyone already knows what the plot is so there's no point in me elaborating. I'm just going to say that it is worth reading the book, even if you have already watched the movie (indeed, I didn't know that it was actually a book until Year 9 - ha). There are some major events in the book that do not occur in the film, such as "The Old Forest" (oooh) and some extra chapters at the start of the book which explain heaps of things such as the way hobbits live, and the situation at present and what was happening while Tolkien was writing the book etc (aaah). This may be a pull factor for some people to read but it kind of turns into a boring history lesson at the beginning.

One major thing I hated with the book was the fact that there were all these weird place names and people who you don't even know (but I think you're expected to know from reading the prequels or something), but in the school library we have a book called "The Guide to Middle-Earth" or something, which is sort of like a dictionary of the terms in all three books, which is handy to have while your reading.
Another thing I personally hated, was all the descriptions. There were heaps and heaps of descriptions of places which annoyed me because I wanted the story to go on, and they were extremely hard to visualise. Watching the movie before reading the book is an advantage here because then you know what some of the places are supposed to look like.

Those are just two cons about the book that I can think of right now, otherwise its fine. It's kind of hard to read, but take it slow and it won't be a problem.

I may as well fuse the second and third books into this review as well because it follows the same pattern. It's hard to understand what's happening sometimes (which is where watching the movie comes in handy), and the long descriptions and totally random, never-heard-before place names make more appearances.

BUT!!!!! The story doesn't finish once Frodo destroys the Ring (you all know he did so no spoiling occurred). The story continues about them going back to Minas Tirith and going back home and certain events happen during that time so make sure you read the third book at least because there's still some stuff to know if you've only watched the movies.

So overall, it's a great book that just has a few minor hitches (which may only apply to some people like meself), otherwise it's a fine read - but you probably won't bother because you've seen the movie, I know.

6.8/10 from me across all three books

Black Hearts of Battersea by Joan Aiken

Taking place during the reign of King James III in the early 19th century when England was still sadly plagued by wolves a young orphan named Simon was bound to travel to London for an adventure of a lifetime.
With a desire to learn painting Simon encounters lots of different types of people and makes new friends.
While desperately seeking his old friend Dr Foo Field secrets are discovered will it be Simon in danger or others.Twisting and turning through the forest seeking allies and companions.
Joan Aiken puts Simon and Friendsin a life changing adventure which will lead them one step closer to the secrets and truth.

This review was written by Joanna Wong

I found the Flambards book more interesting than expected. It is set in the age where cars are just been invented and planes are still being perfected. The novel is particularly about a girl that is growing up and when she reaches twenty one she will be able to claim the fortune her parents left her. When she is sent to the Flambards she discovers a passion for horses as the family there are obsessed with horses and hunting. However the youngest of the two sons longs to fly planes and other mechanical devices and he will do anything to reach that dream. The girl undergoes exciting adventures and different loves during her time at the Flambards.

Snowfall...by KM Peyton

This is a really nice book. It is set in the late 1800s/ early 1900s I think. It is about a girl called Charlotte, who has lived her whole life as a 'good girl' with her grandfather. When she was almost made to marry this man who she absolutely revolts, she had to put her foot down. When her brother, whos travelled all over the country, came in for a visit, she saw her way of escape. Lying to her grandfather, she sets off to the mountains, to hike with her brother and his friends.
The book is amazing...well-written, not very action packed, but really easy going; with conflicts of the mind, hopeless loves, friendship...friendship is a main aspect of the book I think. The book really grabbed my attenion from the start, and its very intriguing, I couldnt put it down once I had started. Its a heartwarming tale, of love and friendship, and a story that I will really remember. The characters are so varient, so real, and develop throughout the story. You really feel like you KNOW the characters. There is a cold, cruel twist at the end...not saying anything more about it, but it leaves you horrified and in tears.
The book has subtle humour, a tragic romance, a nice plot, everything that I love about a story. I guess this is more of a girly book, but anyone can read the book and enjoy it, (unless they're into the really hardcore science fictiony books) and I give it a two thumbs up.

This book.. was not what I expected

Rosemary for Remembrance and Rue for Repentance are the first two books in the series by Felicity Pulman. At first, I thought it was going to be the usual Sherlock Holmes mysteries, with detectives, clues, the unsuspected culprit subtly appearing in the beginning of the story... but no. This series is set in the medieval times, and Janna is far from a detective. Just a rather observant, strong-willed herbalist with revenge on her mind.

The story is fast paced, twisting all the way until you finally "click." That is, understand the reason for the lies, the "murder," and the ravaging villagers who burned down Janna's home in their rage. But it is this twisting - making you guess and then proving your hypothesis wrong - that makes the story so interesting and fast paced till the end. Not to mention not-put-down-able. (I was reading this at 1 am!) And Janna's quick temper and accusative attitude just makes it all the more interesting. Instead of being annoyed at her stupidity, her accusations actually made the story even more absorbing. Because her guess, was pretty much, my guess. Of who the culprit was, that is. And her accusations make you go "YES! THAT'S IT"... until you find out that you/Janna was wrong. Oops.

Of course, Janna's rash actions often gets her in trouble. But that's okay, after all, she isn't really a detective. Just trying to figure out the truth behind the murder... of her mother. And most of all, it's her will to hold on, that strength in her character - to survive and to bring justice to the injustice - that makes you want to cheer her on.

Overall, this was one of the best mysteries I've ever read. A mystery with an interesting storyline woven within.

- Carmen

Eragon

Hi. Eragon is a really awesome book by Christopher Paolini. It's about a boy named Eragon who finds a stone that turns out to be a dragon egg. I won't say anymore for fear of giving away to much of the plot line. The book is way way way better than the movie, so if you've seen the movie you should definitely read the book. If you haven't seen the movie, you should definitely read the book anyway.

The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown

If you enjoyed Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code then you'll probably enjoy reading The Lost Symbol, Dan Brown's third installation with Robert Langden.

The book is set in Washington D.C. in the US. This made me a little wary that the book may not be as good as the previous two, because it was set in the US (and what's the US got to offer in terms of ancient history, architecture and secret societies?)

But, it turned out that there were lots of the things mentioned above in the US, which is what Brown, once again, based his book upon. I won't spoil the book, but it's about Freemasonry and some sort of science that ties in with a certain secret. Don't worry if you don't know anything about Freemasonry, I didn't either and all went well while reading. There's a part where they kind of give you a simplified version of what it is.

The book is 509 pages, according to my memory, so it does take a while to read, unless you're absolutely captivated by it, and can't put it down. I had to study for exams and tried to squeeze the book in at home, but I was banned from reading it. So I had to read it during interval everyday. The book would be hard to read for some people, but even so, if those people take it slowly, it should go down well (have bitesize pieces).

Once again, the Brown formula is reused. Robert Langdon gets a strange summons, and has to save someone's life again. I thought the book was excellent, just the build up wasn't quite as good as the other two, and the "twists" aren't as good as the other ones as well. Also, the parts where Brown sort of wanders off into the history of something isn't quite as fascinating as The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons which tells me that he would have been better off sticking with something in Europe (we all know Europe is better than America!) Regardless of all that however, his writing style does keep the pages turning which is good.

Finally, I think that die-hard fans of Brown will thoroughly enjoy this book, however his familiar plot ideas and writing style does make you want to read more, but it is sort of predictable. Regardless of this, I still thought the book was excellent, but if it was set in Europe I daresay this book would have ascended to 'fantastic'.

It gets an 8/10 from me...

'Kiss Me Kill Me' by Lauren Henderson

I've just read 'Kiss Me Kill Me' by Lauren Henderson. It's a great book it really is, mostly for girls with the romance (but the suspense is good too). I was just wondering if our school library has the next part to called 'Kisses And Lies' (Scarlett Wakefield Series) by Lauren Henderson and if anyone else has read it.

Tricksters Choice by Tamora Pierce

This is the first of two books by Tamora Pierce about a girl called Alianne. Her mother is the Lioness, the first lady Knight in centuries. You could say that she has a lot to live up to. Follow Alianne through her time as she decides what she wants to make of her life. The sequel to this book is Tricksters Queen.
I absolutly love this book, and all the others by Tamora Pierce. Set in a fantasy world, it has just the right amount of magic to make it amazing but still realistic. Tamora Pierce is a great writer and I strongly advise that you read all of her books.

"The Host" by Stephenie Meyer

Recently I have read, no re-read "The Host" by Stephenie Meyer, for at least the bazillllionth time. Although I have blogger about this book before, still not many people have read it, even though it is written by Stephenie Meyer, writer of "The Twilight Saga". It is a great book, definitely worth reading once if not again and again and again like me and my frineds which are fans of this book.

Although i should warn you many people i know have abandoned the book because they do not understand much for the first 100 pages or so (I totally disagree, I don't think it was complicated but i suppose the crowd has spoken) but the rest of the book explains it all iand is worth the confusion (if there is any).

Please give this book ago, i know you'll enjoy completing it.

Henry and the Flea - Brian Falkner

Hi everyone,

I read Brian Falkner's book "Henry and the Flea" to find out about his writing style and get an idea about the type of books he writes.

I quite liked Henry and the Flea. It was just a fun, effortless book to read, not too babyish and yet not too serious for teens, just something to read for pure fun and enjoyment.

It's about a boy called Daniel who has this 'super power' if you like, and uses it to get on to the team of the NZ Warriors. There he makes a valuable friend who teaches him valuable lessons about teen life, and helps him to deal with his teen problems. Read the book to find out more!

I reckon it'd appeal to a wide audience, particularly boys because it's every boy's dream to be a famous rugby player. And because it deals with a really common problem (splitting time between friends and other things), it's worth a read because you may find an answer to your own dilemma.

All in all, I think it's a great read, and give it 7/10. Recommend it to boys in the book club who like rugby.

The Crucible - Arthur Miller

Hello All,

This is another book that I was forced to read for Cambridge English (just like To Kill A Mockingbird). The Crucible by Arthur Miller is well worth a read, but I think that it would be better if people read it for their own amusement. I was supposed to read it and analyse it and think really deep about how the book ties into the world today which kind of sucked the fun out of it. There's Cambridge for you.

It's about the Salem Witch Trials which happened at Puritanical Salem, Massachusetts, in the 1600's I think. I won't spoil the story but it's about these idiotic bunch of teenage girls who make a silly mistake and then lie to cover it up, however those lies cost the lives of many innocent people.

Delving deeper into it, the book really shows how the minds of people work, and how lies keep getting bigger and the basic personality of people as a whole. It's very realistic. Also, Arthur Miller (who was accused of McCarthyism) wrote this book in an effort to show the public how the McCarthyism hunts were very similar to the Salem Witch Hunts. It shows the lengths people will go to to protect their name, reputation, their loved ones etc.

By the way, it's a play, so it's set out the way a normal play is set out. This is fun because you can get your friends to be different characters and read it out as if you're acting it out. We did this in English, but everyone was doing it in their normal voices which was kind of boring - so I decided to do my character (John Proctor) in an Indian accent which set up this trend. (I think the different accents we got after that were: German, French, Australian, Chinese, British, American and others)

Anyway, quite a riveting read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
4 stars from me

Twilight - An alternative view

Twilight - An alternative view

Seducing, heart-breakingly sweet, with plenty of tension and the everyday fantasy of an average teenager. Agreed. But to me, these elements of the romance threw me in the completely opposite direction. Many people absolutely fell in LOVE with this story. I didn't. And heres why.

Was it love? True love? Or was it just "love at first sight?" Frankly, none of us would really know what the characters themselves are feeling, simply as we are not Bella or Edward. Or Stephenie Meyer. But several events points to maybe not so much love at first sight or what I believe to be "true love," but something in between.

Edward. Most likely extremely attractive, as he is a vampire. More than that, he saves Bella's life. Very sweet. But is this all there is to falling in love? Appearances - lust. Saving your life - feeling indebted, or overjoyed that someone would do that for your sake. But what about loving the person for who they are? There was not an awful lot of communication and understanding between them before Bella confessed her feelings to the reader. Is this not, in essence, lacking understanding of each others personality?

Bella. Beautiful despite her modesty. Appears to be a weak girl who tries to be strong. More lust, more induction of the feeling to protect such an innocent figure. And whats more, the very reason Edward is attracted to her is her scent, and the fact that he cannot read her mind. It seems to me that none of the reasons included loving each other on the inside. How can this be true love?

Is this all there is to love? Surely they fell in love too fast. So fast it seemed unrealistic, or as if it was simply lust, or induction of impure feelings. This idea of love, Stephenie Meyer's idea of love, to me, was sickening. And because of it, any more details on their romance made me dislike the novel even more, all because of the doubt of whether or not this was true love.

Many people thoroughly enjoyed this book. And that is fine. We are all entitled to our own opinions, and especially our own ideas of such an abstract topic as love. But the fact that this is a romance novel, and again, one that failed to show me or make me feel love, is the reason for all this critisism. Feel free to comment and tell us your opinions on this book, and why you feel that way. Maybe you can even slightly change the way I feel about this novel.

- Carmen

Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind

This book Series has been made into a tv series. though the book is very long it has interesting twists and turns. set in a fantasy world with Confessers, sorcerers and wizards. Dark lords try to destroy the world. I believe it deserves a 9 out of 10.

Artemis Fowl book 6

Hello this book rules you should read it sometime so that you know what happens to artemis when he goes back in time to rescue a lemur from himself. thats why its a paradox, it will happen foreverforeverforeverforever and forever more.... lol

The Taggerung By Brian Jacques: MASTER BLOGGER

TAGGERUNG is the 14th Redwall adventure, by Brian Jacques, and it's got everything a Redwall lover could want.The story begins in Redwall Abbey with the birth of a baby otter named Deyna. But the celebration of this happy event is short lived: the young otter is kidnapped! And who steals the baby? None other than Sawney Rath, a savage ferret who leads a murderous band of rats, weasels, and foxes. Sawney Rath and his crew have not just stolen the baby to be mean or to get ransom; this baby is very important to them. The clan believes the baby is destined to become a warrior hero. All the signs and prophecies point to this otter baby. He will be their Taggerung --- a mythic leader of ancient legend. To fulfill this important prophecy, the evil clan whisks the otter away from his devastated parents and the kind folk of the Redwall community.

Stars From Me

The Hunting of the Last Dragon - Sherryl Jordan

Hi Everyone,

After the last Sherryl Jordan book that I read turned out to be a 'hopeless, lump of pus', I was a bit reluctant to read this one. But the passage from the book that was part of the blurb, captured my attention, and I decided to give Sherryl Jordan another chance.

"High overhead, a dragon flies on coppery wings, raining down fire and destruction on all that lies below. The last of the great beasts, it wreaks havoc everywhere it flies, burning the countryside and its terrified inhabitants to grey ash and cinders with its fiery breath. Desperate and frightened, the people pray for a hero to save them...".

After reading the book, Sherryl Jordan drastically increased the little honour I had for her books. The Hunting of the Last Dragon is a terrific book, fueled with great history, touching friendship, courage, strength and the heart to keep going.

Jude is no hero. Deeply traumatized after returning to find his village a charcoaled ruin and his family dead, he is picked up by a travelling fair, where he rescues the strange yet beautiful Jing-wei from a life as a caged freak.

Eluding their pursuers, Jude and Jing-wei meet Lan, a wise old Chinese woman who straightens Jing-wei's bound and crippled feet, and reveals to Jude his destiny. He alone must kill the last dragon.

With Jing-wei's help and Lan's ancient knowledge, Jude and Jing-wei set out to destroy the beast, and embark on the perilous journey that becomes the hunting of the last dragon.

It's a great young adult book that some Eragon fans may find enjoyable.

8/10 from me.

Dark Heart

This book is by a New Zealand author who writes fantasy books. This is a second series by Kirkpatrick. it is slightly related to the first series but you do not need to read them to understand this book. if you like magic, immortals and Gods who walk the earth this book has it. I would give this book a 8 out of 10 because its still is not the best bok i have read.

T is for Trespass By Sue Grafton: MASTER BLOGGER

"The 20th Kinsey Millhone crime novel (after 2005's S Is For Slience), a gripping, if depressing, tale of identify theft and elder abuse, displays bestseller Grafton's storytelling gifts. By default, Millhone, 'a private investigator in the small Southern California town of Santa Teresa,' assumes responsibility for the well-being of an old neighbor, Gus Vronsky, injured in a fall. After Vronsky's great-niece arranges to hire a home aide, Solana Rojas, Millhone begins to suspect that Rojas is not all that she seems. Since the reader knows from the start that an unscrupulous master manipulator has stolen the Rojas persona, the plot focuses not on whodunit but on the battle of wits Millhone wages with an unconventional and formidable adversary. Grafton's mastery of dialogue and her portrayal of the limits of good intentions make this one of the series' high points, even if two violent scenes near the end tidy up the pieces a little too neatly

**** 4 STARS FROM ME

The Shadrach Trilogy - Joy Cowley

Joy Cowley unleashes the magical nature of animals with human relationships. It discovers a new, modern, meaning of life and is touching for any audience. However it is especially enjoyable for younger readers because it is simply written with ideas that anyone can deduce. In my perspective I reckon this book is not entirely fascinating or boring.

I rate this book a 7/10

Hero.Com

<---- Hello everybody this book is awwwwwwsome what it is about is that there are these four kids (Toby,Pete,Lorna,Emily) surfing the net when a lighting struk the connection and then this website pops up called Hero.com and whats about is that they get to use a bunch of powers for only a hour and then they have to stop a villan named Doc Tempest hahahahahahaha then Doc Tempest steals the mother of Toby's and lorna's mum (ohhhh nnnooo!!!!!) and Doc Tempest also wants to destory the earth so what do they do, save their mum or The world. If I had to rate this book I would give it 4.5 stars

'Snake and Lizard' by Joy Cowley

'Snake and Lizard' by Joy Cowley, illustrated by Gavin Bisho is a very short book with picture on almost every page! Not really a story with a moral or any particular outcome at all except for a great bond between a Snake and (you guessed it) a lizard.

Very quick read. Cute little story...

Um... If you have nothing to do or are looking for something to do on a quiet lunch at school or something portable to take along between events, this is the perfect little book. 

'Violence 101' by Denis Wright

'Violence 101' by Denis Wright (The blurb):

My name is Hamish Graham and this is the journal I have to write. Doesn't worry me because I'm a good writer and I'd rather write than talk any day, although I like talking to Terry. The people who run this place don't know what to make of me. Just like the last place I was in . . .

. . . I think we should have these special schools for bad kids in hard core places like Waiouru and Central Otago where you do school subjects from 8am to 1pm and then in the afternoon you do things like compulsory mountain climbing and river crossings wearing huge packs. The kids who refuse to do it would get fed bread and water until they changed their minds. I would divide them into various teams and have mock wars. Military history would be a compulsory subject. I would also make the study of violence compulsory.

Hamish Graham is intelligent, disciplined, resourceful and fearless, and scorns all weakness. His heroes include Charles Upham, Alexander the Great and Te Rauparaha - all men of action. But he is also a fourteen-year-old with an anger problem and a disturbing past, and these have landed him in a series of boys' homes for violent and troubled young offenders.

The gripping series of events following his arrival at New Horizons culminates in a desperate rescue mission on a mountain that has already claimed the lives of two young soldiers.

Definitely a book worth reading, a quick read that takes only a few hours to finish. A very interesting main character, Hamish

Graham, who cannot control his anger, leading him to do many disturbing things but interesting things. This book, like I said

before, is definitely worth reading.

March to the Sound of the Guns

A war story written in the perspectives of 5 different characters, ranging from experienced war leader to young adults who had barely graduated from school.

I found it difficult to read this book, as it started off really slowly and did not catch my attention. However, the chapters about Nelle, the nurse were really interesting to me. It showed a troublesome character who came from a fairly well off background, and through the course of the war, displaying her inner strength and kindness.

Never ended up finishing this book, as skipping chapters to the ones about Nelle sort of got me confused from time to time, but wasn't too keen on reading it from the beginning and not skipping anything again. Although I really don't know what the stories of the other characters are like, the chapters about Nelle were definitely good to read.

WASTED

A true life story of a guy who becomes lost, confused and addicted to crack cocaine and heroin and how he made his way through various relationships and situations on his way down society's spiral to living as a down and out in central London.

Although slightly slow to 'get going' Mark Johnson's book really is an eye opener to just how class A drugs and addiction can slowly ruin a life whilst the addict thinks he is managing his habit. His story gets more desperate as it goes on and at times you wonder whether he will ever get clean after making several failed attempts in rehab. I found his honesty both surprising and totally unexpected, in that he admitted that the situations he found himself in were a choice ‘his choice’. This book is alarming and contains themes that even as an adult I found difficult and shocking.
In my view this book is truly inspirational and a lesson that if you want it enough you can do anything.

The red badge of courage

Hi. I read "The red badge of courage". It's about a guy who joins the American army during the american civil war. But just before he goes into his first ever battle, he becomes afraid that he wont have the curage to fight. What if he ran from battle? it"s more of an "emotional" kind of book, but it does have some good action in it. Although the language is quite advanced and difficult to read.

Not really my kind of book, but see what you think. 8/10 from me.

City Of Bones

THIS BOOK IS BRILLANT!!!! Although there is slight family incest...

This is about a girl named Clarrisa Fray, her mother and father are exiled Shadowhunters. Shadow hunters are people who hunt demons and what-not. She has been blinded by this spell so she cant see the Shadow world. She kisses her brother, liked by her best friend and doesnt know(girls are so blind), almost killed and alot of other stuff. its the 1st in the series. 

I am so not good at blogs... any way its a 10/10 book for me. i LOVE these kind of books.

Hey guys! Ive finally finished the last of the NoughtAndCrosses Trilogy. I actually finished it ages ago but i didnt blog it. I even heard that there might be another book! *prays*.

This book is about Callie Rose when she is a teenager and in the Liberation Militia. It also tells you what happend when Callie was in her childhood, how her and hermum had a falling out over Callum's death and her screwed up relationships. That bit shows how girls can be REALLY blind. 

Well anyway, shes been lied to for most of her life. She was about to end her life aswell!!! Just what Jude wants to happen to get back at Sephy. It is another must read, but only read if you have started the trilogy. =D 10/10

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

This novel invites you into Cassandra Mortmains journal, a seventeen year old girl with an observant eye and honest nature. 

I really like this book because it has a touch of romance and a fascinating twist to unsuspecting readers (IE me lol).... I really hope you get around to reading it and its certainly for the lads haha just joking. Enjoy it girls!!

PS Even though its for the girls, the odd ball guys might like it too. 

To Kill A Mockingbird - Harper Lee

Hey Everyone,

To Kill A Mockingbird is the only novel that I was forced to read for English that I have enjoyed. This book gives a great insight into the lives of the people who lived in the south of the US (i.e: Alabama) during the 1930's, which was the time when black people were treated as inferior.

This book is about a white lawyer (Atticus Finch) who is given the job of defending a black man (Tom Robinson) who is accused of raping a white girl. Through the eyes of the lawyer's daughter, Scout Finch, we see the way that black people were oppressed in the 1930's, and the way that society judged people by their race and class.

Once you read about him, Atticus Finch seems like the best fictional character ever created. He is a very influential person, who believes that all men are born equal, regardless of their race or place in society. He is a man who isn't racist or prejudiced, even though he lives in a society that is. One of his most famous quotes is "Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird" hence the title of the book.

This book really makes you realise the way people think about and judge others, and how racism is still in our society today. It tells you not to judge a book by its cover, not to be judgemental and not to be prejudiced, due to the consequences that can occur. I think that it is one of the most influential books I have ever read.

The film is quite a faithful adaptation in terms of dialogue, but the events that occur in the book are all rearranged in the film, which is why it is best to read the book first before you watch the movie.

All in all, a great book. 10/10 from me.

- Abdul

The Day of the Triffids

This book is renowned for it terrifying picture of the world without sight. Where the genetically engineered triffids roam the earth killing people and waiting for them to disintegrate so they can eat then. Although I do agree it was quite a good book I think I may have become a bit too inured to violence. I could see how this world could be bad I didn't get entirely drawn into the plot. It was just kind of depressing. Especially some of the scenes when people gave up on their lives completely. Though this is a stunningly accurate portryal of how people are likely to react, throwing aside the idea that humans are resilient and revealing the truth of how reliant we as a race are on our vision.

I would still recommend you read it just to form your own viewpoint.

Memoirs of a Geisha -

A very striking fictional story (actually at first I thought it was a true story.. all that about the person interviewing her made me believe it was.. sure am gullible). Even so, it shows an interesting perspective of the world. Through her struggles and mistakes, the strength Sayuri shows towards reaching her dream, and of course the antagonist who continuously tries to make her entire life miserable; and how realistic it all is (see, I really believed it was real..) well, it was a really nice book to read. Definitely influential, and does raise a few questions to the reader, especially about our own lives.

There is also a movie, never watched it but after reading this book, I might try and find it - may be interesting. Wonder if it'd be okay, as most novels made into movies that I know end up skipping a bit toooo much detail or alters the story too much for my liking

I suppose it's a bit of a girlish book and despite how detailed she describes every single event... even some of the ones you might not really want to know about.. it's a great book nevertheless =)

Note: If you ever ask me what a geisha is.. I still have no idea how to clearly define one after reading the book.........

- Carmen

By the way, I'm a little confused about whether or not we're supposed to return this book, or hold onto it until the next book club meeting. The timing leads me to think that it might get overdue and that.. would not be good ><

Are you there god?its me margaret!

i love this book soo much it shows what nearly every teenage girls go through!!its just awesome!!you have to try reading this book!

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Death On The Nile

FAN OF COMICS

Well If You Are And Over 14 You Will Love This
Great Fantasic Comic Book. From The Start Till
The End You Will Love The Old Effects And Find It
Interesting & Fantasic.
This Book I Recommend For 14's And Up
This is not Recommend For Ages 5-13

RATING: **** 4 Stars

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MASTER BLOGGER

Knife Edge

This is the second book in the Noughts and Crosses trilogy. Its about Sephy and her child Callie Rose, who is also Callums daughter. This is mainly about Jude trying to get back up the ranks of the Liberation Malitia, and kills his rich Cross girlfriend to steal her money to do so. He gets out of this trouble with some help from a person he hates with all his guts because he believes Callum died because of her. Sephy.

This isnt that good a post because i forgot some of it because ive started reading the final book and its another must read.

This is another good book by Malorie Blackman. I rate it a 8/10 because it isn't as exciting.

Noughts and Crosses

Hey guys. This is my first ever blog because i just joined. If you need more details tell me so i no for future references.

Noughts and Crosses is the first book of a trilogy. This book is about black people (Crosses) ruling over white people (noughts) just like way back in America but reversed. Persephone Hadley is born into this society with a powerful father and a drinking mother. She befriends a young nought called Callum Ryan McGregor while they were young, due to her mother being Callums mothers employer. They start a close relationship even though the society is the way it is and grow up together.

This book is kinda like one of those books that open your eyes to see the world a different way. I reccomend reading the trilogy and if possible, get the special edition of Noughts and Crosses because it has a special part called An Eye For An Eye which is REALLY great.

I give it a 10/10. 

The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time - Mark Haddon

Hi everyone,

I just finished reading The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time again (just to refresh my memory) and boy is it great!

A very absorbing, perceptive and original book in my opinion, well written in first person. Also has a lot of choicy swear words!

Christopher Boone is a 15 year old living in England. He has 'aspergers syndrome' a form of autism. He enjoys maths, playing minesweeper and spending time with his rat Toby.

One day, he finds his neighbour's dog dead (stabbed with a garden fork). Christopher is intrigued and decides to investigate, against the wishes of his father. What he soon discovers is the secret of his mother, and his childhood!!! Will he ever be able to trust anyone again?

Read and find out!!! A great murder/mystery novel.

8/10 from me!!!

hey hey!!!

hello I have had a great holiday and man its so hard trying to find some books =(

anyway i went to my local Waitakere Library and got a book called S(pecial)A(ir)S(ervice): Betrayel and man its awsome its like Alex Rider only more action

i would give it a 8.5/10