Word Out 2011

Blog down your fines posts! See what other teens are reading.

Earn $2 in library bucks towards your fines when you share your favourite reads.

Ayesha reviewed Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

Jurassic Park is a science-fiction novel with a very creative and innovative plot. From everything to the many kinds of dinosaurs there are in the park to the sheer idea of a theme park based on such high-tech devices and undoubtedly humungous creatures! One of the main messages that I derived after reading this book were the damaging consequences of heavily relying on technology. No matter how advanced technology gets, relying on it for entire safety of people didn't quite work out. Another detail of the novel that I loved, was the amazing descriptions of every dinosaur, every encounter of the characters with the dinosaurs and of  course the sense of suspense embedded in every details of the plot.
Many of us may have seen the movie, but as with most movies that are based on novels, the books are much more entertaining with vivid illustrations of every detail of the plot. I recommend all of you who haven't already read this novel to check out the book today. If you found yourself a fan of the movie, you'll no doubt be a much bigger fan of the book!

Sabryna reviewed Bella Should Have Dumped Edward:Controversial Views and Debates on the Twilight Series by Michelle Pan

(Please note that this review does contain spoilers if you have not read all or any of the Twilight Saga books)
 I found out about this book by mistake. I was looking up Stephanie Meyer in the Library Catalogue. You know when you click on the book cover and it gives you details about topics (for example: teen romance, vampires, etc.) I clicked one by mistake and I found Bella Should Have Dumped Edward. I didn't even read what the book was about (I normally don't, I know, bad.) instead I immediately pressed place on hold. This book is not by Stephanie Meyer so it is not officially a side novel (like The Short Second Life Of Bree Tanner). I've read al the Twilight Saga books (not multiple times though) and like any fan was wishing for more. What you should know is that this is not a secret 5th novel, but rather (as it says below the title) controversial view & debates on the Twilight Series. Each chapter (varying in pages) starts with a question. A few from the book include (SPOILER) Should Bella have ended up with Edward or Jacob? Are the comparisons between the Twilight saga and the Harry Potter series fair and justified or are they misguided? Which Twilight saga movie character is most accurately cast? At the end of each chapter there is what is called The Final Call. Michelle talks about the answers most commonly picked and what her opinion was. What I liked about this book was that it was written from teens and adults. Some answers were really short and some were really long. I would give this book 5/10 because at some parts I got a little frustrated when I didn't agree with someone's answer, also because I felt some questions could have been elaborated on a little more.

Maleeha reviewed The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

The Scorch Trials is an incredible sequel to The Maze Runner. The Maze Runner ends off with a group of guys plus a girl ( all teenagers) being rescued from a government organization called WICKED (WORLD IN CATASTROPHE KILLZONE EXPERIMENT DEPARTMENT). WICKED basically grouped these teenagers into this place where they must maintain. This place was surrounded by a  life-size maze in which terrible creatures lured at night so any chance they teenagers had of exploring for a way out was lost. But when Thomas, the main character, was dropped into the maze he changed almost everyone's lives because he found a way out. Anyways, it turns out that them escaping from the Maze was part of WICKED's plan. Therefore, when they were 'rescued' by this group, they taught that they'll finally be able to return to their old lives. Unfortunately, being rescued was also on WICKED's agenda.
In The Scorch Trials, the teenagers realize that once again they have been a part of WICKED games. One day, a member of WICKED told this group of guys (GROUP A) ,minus the girl because she disappeared the day after they were rescued, that they must go in search for a place called Safe Haven where they will find a cure for the disease that each of them have possessed. Group A agree and goes looking for this Safe Haven. Also, somehow each of the guys have a tattoo with a statement  planted on their back by WICKED. Thomas's tattoo states that he must be killed by Group B ( the all girls group). On Group A's way to Safe Have, they encounter Group B and the girl, Teresa, who was part of Group A is one part of Group B. When Thomas sees Teresa, he becomes really happy because they are best friends but it turns that Teresa almost kills Thomas, do to WICKED's orders. Somehow WICKED is always watching both groups and if things don't go according to their plans then they have the power to eliminate any competitor. Teresa tries to explain to Thomas that what she was doing was for his own good and that she was just trying to keep him alive. Thomas, however, doesn't really process this information and even though Teresa apologizes a lot, he doesn't forgive her.
In the end, once again, they are rescued by the one and only WICKED. This time, at gun point, Thomas tries to convince the WICKED member that they'll stop their games and return them to their old lives. The man from WICKED agrees. Therefore, both groups are given food and shelter. The groups rest and the next time Thomas wakes up, he is in a white room with nothing in there. He realizes that once again, he is a victim of WICKED's schemes.
I really like this book. A good description would be that it's a science-fiction, action and adventure book. Not much romance but over all it's a really great book. Before reading The Scorch Trials, I would recommend The Maze Runner. I hope you guys enjoy this book.