Hate List by Jennifer Brown

“I didn’t mean for anyone to die”

Valerie and her boyfriend Nick compiled a “Hate List” of all the students that bullied them, they where considered outsiders by their classmates.

One morning Nick and Valerie walked into the commons at school and Nick pulled out a gun and started shooting the students on the “Hate List’. Valerie was in total shock, as she did not know Nick had planned to shoot the students. While trying to save many students Nick shot Valerie.

Valerie was implicated in the shootings due to her knowledge of the hate list and her relationship with Nick. Some blamed her some called her a hero.

After several months recuperating from her injuries it was time for Valerie to go back and finish her senior year at school. Val had to confront her guilt, the students and her memories of Nick.

The book flashes back to Val and Nicks relationship and the shootings to good effect.

I found the book powerful and thought provoking. It showed how situations can very easily get out of control with devastating consequences.

This book would be enjoyed by girls and boys.

Social Media Revolution 2011. Check out this video to see how social media influences our lives.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief revolves around nine year old Liesel who's family were killed during World War Two. At her brothers funeral, Liesal finds a book half buried in the snow called "The Gravediggers Handbook" so she takes it. This is only the first of many books she steals and saves from Nazi book burnings.  After the funeral she is placed with a foster family where she is taught to read the book she stole.
Books become the catalyst to her becoming closer to her new family and forming a friendship with a Jewish man the family kept hidden in the basement from the Nazi's but these are very dangerous times, many people die and disappear. Will Liesal be able to survive and cheat death.
The Book Thief is an amazing book unsettling, thought provoking, tragic and beautifully written. A must read for all students.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games is an annual event run  by the Capitol. The story is set in the future where the world is dominated by a ruling tribe who live in luxury in a city called the Capitol. Twelve contestants are selected, one girl and one boy from each of the twelve districts. These teenagers are forced by the government to fight each other to the death in a designated arena for the citizens entertainment.

The plot is simple with strong characters and a fast paced plot. Katniss is the chosen female long with Peeta who is the chosen male both are from Districrt 12.

The story is told through the eyes of Katniss her struggle to survive, her hatred of the Capitol and her dislike of killing but also her desire stay alive. Added to all this is her relationship with Peeta, can she trust him or is he playing his own game?

The winner of the games gets to live in luxury for the rest of their lives.

I loved this book, it is fast paced and full of action and intrigue which leaves you hanging out for the next title in the trilogy which is 'Catching Fire' with he final book in the trilogy Mockingjay.

Before We Say Goodbye by Gabriella Ambrosio

I could not put this book down until I had finished it.

I think Vere Cohen-Barzilay, Director of Communications and Publications, Amnesty International Israel sums this book up very well she says:

" Before We Say Goodbys gives us a rare look and a wonderful opportunity to get to know reality from the birds-eye view, with all its complexity and many faces. It does not embellish it. It does not blame or judge, nor does it get tangled in political accusations of who is better off or who is hurting more. It mourns, it despairs and it hurts, but it is brutally honest. And that is where the importance lies. That is where it magic lies."

I found this book tragic, powerful and an insight into the world of a girl who has accepted her destiny to be a suicide bomber.

A must read.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Reviewed by Te Paerewa King

This novel originated from an idea by Siohban Dowd who passed away from Cancer.
Picture a hybrid between Black Swan, My Sisters Keeper, and Bridge to Terabitha and your only half way there.
A monster calls is written beautifully by Patrick Ness and created from a mind now passed, award winning, writer Sioban Dowd comes a story of Connor O'Mally who is tormented by a monster who says he only wants the truth. But is this the monster in his nightmares or is something more sinister out there waiting to consume him.
This novel by far is the best book I've read. I finished in one reading and came out of the book completely astounded and speechless. It questions everything you know and thought you knew by telling you, through the main character, who you are and how we as humans work. Wonderfully paced, over boiling plot, heart breaking and enlightening, this lyrical, powerful tale will have you dwelling in the world of Connor O'Mally long after you've finished, haunting you in the night.
A truly phenomenal book. Transcendent but beautiful in all ways. I wish I had written it. Amazing.

Skullduggery Pleasant Playing with Fire by Derek Landy

Reviewed by Conor Head-McCarthy
Playing with Fire is the second book in the series. Skullduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain embark on a new adventure and encounter a new enemy.
It seems a really evil guy, Baron Vengeous, has escaped from jail. Skullduggery and Valkyrie set off to stop him, with help from Tanith Low a sorcerer. It appears Baron Vengeous wants to bring back some Gods and has the help of a Vampire called Dusk and Billy-Ray Sanguine a guy who travels through walls. The trio foil the Baron's plans with the baron and Dusk been killed but Billy-Ray escapes. Billy-Ray's survival has a bit of a mystery attached it it, who was he really working for?
The book ends in a mystery, a perfect lead up to the next book Skullduggery Pleasant the Faceless Ones.
This is an excellent book. It is well written, has enough action and pace to keep you interested. The way the characters are portrayed is excellent and you can visualise very character and scene.
I would advise anyone who likes fantasy, action, magic or even horror books to read it.
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