Shakespeare's Secret

Shakespeare's Secret, by Elise Broach, tells the story of Hero, a girl who has just moved to the outskirts of Washington DC. Struggling to fit in as she tries to navigate the pressures of social scene at her new middle school, Hero finds friendship in Mrs. Roth, her neighbor, and Danny Cordova, a popular student at her school. Together they investigate the mystery of the Murphy diamond. The previous owners of Hero's new house possessed an old diamond of extreme value. They were said to have hidden the diamond in the house in order to collect the insurance. Together, Hero, Danny, and Mrs. Roth collaborate to solve their only clue- a poem left behind by Arthur Murphy for Mrs. Roth.

This book was really amazing! The plot was very elaborate, and I was surprised on many different occasions. The characters were also really richly described, which gave me a really good picture of the story. The book had a lot of really interesting history and theories about the true identity of Shakespeare that was very skillfully interwoven into the plot. It introduced me to a lot of topics of debate I didn't even know existed. I found the book really enjoyable, while simultaneously being thought-provoking. I'm interested in reading other books by the same author, as this one was well-written and imaginative.

Liar and Spy

I was initially very excited to read this book because it was written by the author of one of my favorite books, Rebecca Stead, who wrote the best seller When You Reach Me. The books centers around Georges, simply pronounced as George, a middle-schooler in Brooklyn. When his father was laid of from work, Georges and his family were forced to sell their house and move to an apartment. This, paired with his best and only friend abandoning him to sit with people of a much higher social standing, pushes Georges into a pit of emotional despair. Georges's world turns for the better when he meets Safer, a self-appointed spy living upstairs from him. Together they spy on the elusive Mr X, a mysterious figure engaging in shady activities. Their friendship strengthens, though it is almost entirely based on a lie.

I thought that this was a really interesting book—it has a very unique plot, involving a variety of strong characters.  I ended up feeling very empathetic towards Gorges. He was feeling lonely, and just when he thinks he's found a friend in Safer he finds out that he's been lied to. The reader only has a limited view into what is happening, as Georges narrates, so I was very surprised at many points in the book. I thought that it was very well structured, designed to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, and I was completely shocked at the end. I recommend this book to everyone—it maintained an amazing balance between being numerous and emotionally deep.

Child Soldiers: Victims or Perpetrators?

In recent years, the number of soldiers under seventeen has expanded to about 300,000 world wide. A large potion, 75%, of the worlds conflicts involve child soldiers. It is a growing issue that must be regulated, that people should be more aware of. I believe that the majority of these child soldiers are victims, innocents who were manipulated or threatened into service.
Often times children come in good faith, seeking protection and shelter. Ishmael Beah, a former child combatant, discussed his experiences in Sierra Leon, saying "Naturally we thought if we went to a military base we would be protected—that was not the case." In other incidences, children have been captured and forced onto combat. Children in war zones who are suffering emotionally or economically are the most likely to enlist in an army. In extreme cases, families are so poor that they sell their children into service. In fact, the article "Children at War" stated that "According to the United Nations, children are most likely to become soldiers when they are impoverished or separated from their families."  This shows that they volunteered to serve in fits of desperation, trying to escape bad situations they were stuck in.
Some people hold the children accountable for murder. They follow the orders of their commanders and kill when told to kill. But most of the time this is a result of the children being mislead or threatened. If they didn't fight, the soldiers could be killed by their commanders or by the opposing army. It is legal to kill in self-defense, so in this case they shouldn't be held accountable for protecting themselves. Beah says about his time fighting as a child, "You've completely lost yourself. It completely becomes your life. You have to do it to survive." He also talks about how, when he was forced to fight, he was drugged against his will. This gave him a seance of invincibility. He was also led to believe that his commanders held a kind of magic that could protect him. The article "Armed and Underage" mentioned how in the Iran-Iraq war children were given plastic "Keys to Heaven" to keep them safe as they cleared mine fields. Because the soldiers were children, their naïveté led them to believe in these various "powers of protection."
The children can continue to suffer long after actual combat ceases. Mental and physical development can be impaired, and drug addictions can remain. Hallucinations can occur, as well as other symptoms of trauma. Many of the former combatants nave issues reintegrating back into society. Their feelings of trust have been corrupted, they find it hard to trust again, especially adults.
All in all, the children should not be blamed for the fact that they fought. If they weren't forced, most did so out of desperation or fear. They emotionally suffer the consequences of their time fighting and should not be thought of as perpetrators. We should do our best to support their rehabilitation, and try to prevent the recruitment of those who are underage.

Gilda Joyce: Psychic investigator

I received this book as a present a while ago. Based on the title, I assumed it would be sci-fi, and while I like some science fiction,  I'm not a huge fan, so I wasn't really looking forward to reading it.  The book investigates paranormal activity, mostly ghosts and spirits, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that the book is a mesh of numerous genres. It has elements of sci-fi, but it leans more towards realistic fiction. The main character, Gilda, often ranges between eccentric and absurd. At 13, she's working hard to develop her three careers: writing novels, spying on her neighbors, and honing her skills as a detective of the paranormal. Determined to do something intresting with her summer, Gilda takes the liberty of writing to her mother's estranged second cousin, Lester Splinter, in San Fransisco, asking to be invited to his home. Mostly due to a miscommunication between Mr. Splinter and his assistant, she procures an invitation. Upon her arrival, she soon discovers that something is not quite right at the home of Mr. Splinter and his 13 year old daughter, Juliet. 

Gilda is so distinct and unique that the reader can't help wanting to read more, and I found myself finished with the book in two days. One of the main reasons I think this book is so appealing to many readers is its relatability. While most people at 13 don't write to distant relatives they have never met before in the hopes of being invited to their homes, don't don wigs and various disguises to spy on people, and don't attempt to open a private investigative business of unexplained phenomena, Gilda still struggles with issues we all deal with—loss, loneliness. I highly recomend this book to everyone; it's unlike anything I've ever read, and I can not wait to start the second installment.

The Ruby in the Smoke

I recently finished reading The Ruby in the Smoke, by Phillip Pullman. It portrays Sally Lockhart, orphaned daughter of the newly deceased Matthew Lockhart, as a sixteen-year-old girl in London, 1872. Upon receiving an anonymous message telling her to 'beware the seven blessings,' she visits her the company her father owned to inquire about the mysterious note. When she mentions it to an employee, he dies of fear. Sally is soon thrust into a dangerous game centering around a ruby, illegally imported opium, and herself. Pursued by cutthroats and thugs at every turn, she must discover who wants her dead, and what is has to do with the infamous red gem.

The book is written in third person, allowing the reader a glimpse of the going-ons in the lives of Sally's enemies, allies, and acquaintances in addition to her own. I think this was a very good choice, as it keeps the reader informed better than the main character, heightening the suspense. I thought the book was very well written, with a lot of descriptive language. The unique characters have very definitive personalities, instigating feelings of empathy or dislike in the reader. Overall, I thought this was an amazing book, filled with mystery, intrigue, and many surprises. I couldn't stop reading, and now that I'm finished I can't wait to read the next one. I recommend it to everyone!

Over Sea Under Stone

In Over Sea Under Stone, by Susan Cooper, Simon, Jane, and Barnabas Drew go on holiday with their parents and mysterious Great-uncle, Merriman, to Trewissick in the South of Cornwall. While exploring the attic of the house they rented from a local sailor Simon, Jane, and Barney discover a manuscript. It leads them on a dangerous quest over the great headlands and bays of Trewissick. They must travel over sea and under stone to retrieve their prize—a sacred grail from the time of King Arthur—and, accompanied by Great Uncle Merry, wield it against the dark.

The theme of the first book in The Dark is Rising series centers mainly on good and evil, light and dark. It shows the blurred line between the two, and implies that there is no one person without both. Many characters waver between sides, confused or uncommitted. Mrs. Palk, their housekeeper and cook, seems to be caring and kind towards the children. As the book progresses she is revealed to be lying to the children and Great Uncle Merry, as well as passing along crucial information to the Dark. She is an example of how people can be swayed out of the light, and conveys that many people reside in the middle—not dark or light but grey.

A Swiftly Tilting Planet

In A Swiftly Tilting Planet, by Madeline L'Engle, Charles Wallace Murry, assisted by Guadior, a unicorn sent to help him along his journey, travel through space and time to try to right a wrong that transpired long ago, and an ancient rune with words of power. Mad Dog Branzillo, ruler of Vespugia in Patagonia, South America, is about to launch a nuclear attack that will wipe out civilization completely. Charles Wallace must alter the fabric of time and make sure that Branzillo was never born as a descendant of the evil Gwydyr but as a descendent of his brother, the peace-seeking Madoc. But for this to happen, he has to make it back alive.

The writers style is complicated, filled with metaphor and unconventional word structure. It is intriguing without being completely indecipherable. I love the way that the book centers around the rune- each chapter is entitled with one of the lines, and the climax of each chapter is based off the line. It is a more unique way of structuring the book, and keeps the reader constantly on the edge of their seat. The rune itself is very interesting, and carries on common themes in L'Engles books such as the power of Earth and space, especially the stars. Madeline L'Engle is a widely celebrated author who writes beautiful literature about thought-provoking subjects. This work of intertwined stories about past, present, and future and how each affects the other did not disappoint.

The Westing Game

In The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin, sixteen seemingly unrelated people and their families are invited to the desirable new apartment building, Sunset Towers. They are gathered by a lawyer to be told that they will be split into pairs—and each pair will have the chance to inherit the 200 million dollar estate of the deceased Samuel Westing. The will states that Westing was murdered, and the murderer is one of the heirs. Many of the heirs have never even met the illustrious Mr. Westing, and those who have do not have any fond recollections. Each pair is given a set of clues, each pair driven by the lure of a vast fortune. The only catch is, the answer to the clues is the murderer. 

The book is told through a series of chapters told in 3rd person, centering around a different heir every time. I admired the writer's style. She perfectly paced the book so that the reader is always in suspense, arising another conflict each time one was resolved. I especially enjoyed the way the writer scattered the clues throughout the book, so that the reader is trying to solve the death along with the characters. The writer also gave a strong character to each air, making them more relatable amongst the action and mystery. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to everyone- it's plot is expertly told with amazing technique.  

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

In Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll, Alice is plunged into numerous mind-bending situations. She manages throughout the book to remain logical and level headed. Under the duress of being accused of stupidity and threatened with decapitation by an abundant supply of enjoyably ridiculous and puzzling characters, she remains remarkably calm. For example, in the book, Alice's size is constantly changing. To be in a strange world with no idea how to get home and have your body shrinking and growing would be maddening to many people—but not Alice. While falling down a seemingly endless pit, she considers whether she will end up in New Zeland or Australia (the opposite side of the world from Britain), showing how she uses her head in times of distress.

What is really amazing is how young Alice is. At seven, she can think more clearly than many adults. As Alice comes face to face with ones such as the Duchess and the Mad Hatter, she shows more wisdom than many her age. While sometimes her worries seemed a bit meaningless, as shown when after falling down a rabbit hole she worried about people thinking her strange when she asked what country she was in, in the majority of the book she shows resilience and resourcefulness, managing to navigate a world of strange things and strange people. I think the reason why she has remained famous for decades and decades is her endearing and unwavering character.

Am I Blue

 "Am I Blue," by Bruce Coville, shows the reader that discrimination can be embodied in both emotional and physical harassment and can result in many negative outcomes for its victims. Discrimination is harmful, and wrongfully tries to repress people into conforming to society's norms.

In the story Vincent,  the main character, is struggling to define his sexual identity. Butch Carrigan, along with some of his other peers, think that he is gay and resent him for it. Butch shows the least compassion, and bullies him with discriminatory comments and actions. For example, he says " 'You little fruit! I'll teach you to look at me!' " leading to Butch pushing Vince into a puddle. Vincent is bruised and wet, along with feeling embarrassed and hurt, showing that discrimination effects people badly. Another example of its negative effects is when Vincent first meets Melvin, his fairy godfather. Melvin is kind, but Vince is so used to cruelty from people like Butch that he lashes out and tells Melvin to leave him alone. If discriminatory actions against someone  escalate, that person's disposition can be affected, as shown when Vince automatically assumes that someone he doesn't know is unkind.

In some cases, fear of discrimination causes people to try to hid who they really are, and attempt to conform into the stereotypes of their occupation or position in society. The republican congressmen speaks out against homosexuality, calling it "the great crime of being gay," when in fact he himself is homosexual. Many Republicans are homophobic, so the congressmen was trying to make himself into a "typical" republican, probably to gain support from voters, and to avoid judgement in his colleagues.  Another situation where someone tried to conform to the status quo was when Vince finds out that some of the football favorites for the Super Bowl were gay. Sports are an aspect of stereotypical masculinity, and being gay is commonly seen as non-masculine. The football players pretend to be strait to avoid discrimination from their fans and coaches.

 All in all, being discriminatory is an action that should be discouraged and prohibited. It makes people feel that they are wrong for being themselves, and should do their best to be "normal." By bullying someone for something they can't help, like race of sexuality, you are subjecting them to emotional torment. The results can be disastrous, and lead the victim to depression or, in extreme cases, suicide. People should show compassion and stand up for someone being harmed by something they can't control—something part of themselves. After all—we're all human.

The Drummer Boy of Shiloh

In "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh," by Ray Bradbury, Bradbury shows that in war, the opposing sides often resemble each other more than they think they do.

In the story, each side is assumed by Joby, the drummer boy, to be lying awake, baseless, wishful thoughts of themselves emerging victorious and intact from battle. Even though there was a great possibility that any one of the soldiers could die, each one was clinging to the hope that they wouldn't be the one to perish. " 'Me, I'm the one, I'm the one of all the rest who won't die. I'll live through it. I'll go home. The band will play and I'll be there to here it,' " is what Joby assumes they are thinking. This excerpt suggests that all the soldiers are united in their blind hopes. Both armies are naive about the costs and perils of warfare—they are young and inexperienced. " 'There's your cheek fell right off the tree overhead. And the others here, not much older. Raw, raw the lot of you,' " said the general. This conveys that the armies were comprised mostly of innocent not yet matured young men.

Another similarity between the two armies is their motivation for fight: most of the initiates joined in a burst of patriotism, focused solely on defending their country and it's honor. Many ran away to fight for their home. "[The soldiers were] compounded of remote but none the less firm and fiery family devotion, flag-blown patriotism, and cocksure immortality," Joby's thoughts portray the boys and men becoming soldiers as rash confident decisions in the heat of visions involving fighting for and bringing honor too one's country. " 'But here we are, taken with spring fever and thinking its blood lust, taking are sulphur with cannons instead of with molasses as it should be,' " the general stated, making it known that he thinks the soldiers in both armies have gone to war in a too hasty rush of confidence, and should have been at home enjoying the spring, instead of running in to battle and facing what could very well be their end.

Opposing armies can be very alike in warfare. Both sides are made up of people. As people, we often share similar emotions and situations. I think that this is usually true in war. We are all human, and sometimes we disagree. I think that settling matters by warfare only creates more feelings of discord, and creates a bigger rift between groups than settling the issue nonviolently. Often times, opposing sides are made out as very different from one another, because it would be very difficult to do battle with someone you can identify with. If you were able to see yourself in them, it would make it much harder to view them as monsters you must slay. Bradbury shows that we are not always so different from the people we wish ill.

The Wanderer

In The Wanderer, by Sharon Creech, Sophie travels across the Atlantic Ocean on a sailboat dubbed The Wanderer with her three uncles (Stew, Mo, and Dock) and two cousins (Brian and Cody), to go to England to visit Bompie, her grandfather. As the story progresses, you learn that Sophie was actually adopted, even though she refuses to acknowledge the fact. At the beginning of the story, Sophie denies her true feelings and buries the unpleasant memories of her deceased parents. When her cousins question her about her birth parents, she pretended she hasn't heard and changes the subject. I think that Sophie had pushed her memories of her real parents so far back in her mind that she truly believed that Cody, Brian, her uncles, and Bompie were her relations by blood. She acted very carefree, and talked about loving the adventure of being in the ocean. Sophie said she longed to be at sea. At night, however, she dreamed of a great black wave crashing down and swallowing her. By repressing her real emotions, her secret fear of the sea grew, despite her claims that she was perfectly all right.

As they drew closer to England, storms began. One night while on deck, a wave, as great and tall as the one in her nightmares, broke over her and the entire boat. This, I think, was when Sophie finally accepted and acknowledged the memory of her parents drowning from the impact of the wave she dreamt about.  By the end of the story, she was open to herself and others about her past, and became more honest about her feelings. Sophie no longer had to hide herself from herself to be happy.

The Luxe

The Luxe, by Anna Godberson, follows the lives of young socialites in 1899 New York City. The main character, Elizabeth Holland, is a proper, rule-abiding debutant. She pays close attention to manners and etiquette and always tries to please her family. She bears little resemblance to her rebellious, carefree sister, Diana. When the Holland's vast wealth begins to quickly diminish under the strain of numerus expensive gowns and no income source, Elizabeth is being forced to except the proposal of Henry Schoonmaker, even though she is in love with Will, their chauffeur and stable hand. Godberson shows the reader throughout the book that in life it is important to follow your heart, even when it requires rejecting many of society's norms and class systems.

For instance, while everyone expects her to marry someone of her own class, she instead moves out west to California. By doing so, she is much happier, showing that often times what's best for you is what you feel is right. Earlier in the story, Elizabeth was submissive to the repressive ideals of he mother and neighbors. She was unhappy and experienced little fun or pleasure. The author exhibits that rejecting things such as class and status can lead to 

a more emotionally beneficial life.

Diana, Elizabeth's sister, had always wished to be free of New York City's constricting upperclass beliefs. while in New York, she feels trapped and confined. When she leaves for South America to explore different cultures and live more freely, she has amazing experiences.

Godberson shows that in the act of doing what you feel is best, disregarding status and wealth as ones first priority can lead to a life filled  with much more pleasurable experiences, or meeting people you truly enjoy the company of.