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!