Nothing But the Truth by AVI

A Review from Amazon.com

Grade 6-9-- Ninth grader Philip Malloy finds himself unable to participate on the track team because of his failing grade in English. Convinced the teacher, Margaret Narwin, dislikes him, he concocts a scheme to get transferred from her homeroom: instead of standing "at respectful, silent attention" during the national anthem, Philip hums. Throughout the ensuing disciplinary problems at school, his parents take his side, ignore the fact that he is breaking a school rule, and concentrate on issues of patriotism. The conflict between Philip and his school escalates, and he quickly finds the situation out of his control; local community leaders, as well as the national news media, become involved. At this point, the novel surges forward to a heartbreaking, but totally believable, conclusion. Avi carefully sets forth the events in the story, advancing the plot through conversations between students, Philip's parents, school personnel, and community politicians, while Philip's point of view is revealed through his diary entries, and Margaret Narwin's through letters to her sister. Also enriching the narrative are copies of school memos and newspaper articles, transcripts of speeches delivered, and copies of letters received by both Philip and his teacher; each document provides another perspective on the conflict and illuminates the many themes that beg to be discussed--most notably the irony of lives destroyed because of the misuse of power and the failure of people to communicate. Admirably well crafted and thought provoking.

I just finished Reading Nothing but the truth for school. I thought it would be worth blogging about because, it was a great book. Basically I am a big fan of AVI's work. (Since 2nd grade when i fell in love with Poppy!) The topic was Satire, and this along with Animal Farm, and Monster were the choices. If I had a chance to pick I would've picked Monster.

Nothing but the truth takes place in a small school, in a small town. When Phillip fails his test he suddenly blames his teacher and plans to get out of her class. The book never tells you what his plan was exactly, but I think it's rather obvious.

This book was great the characters were weird, the teachers seemed to be only focused on saving the school board and keeping the budget safe. But when the Nation seems to get caught on this scandal Phillip brings to them, the budget is at risk... and the teachers get nervous.

WAS PHILLIP REALLY SUSPENDED FOR TWO DAYS FOR HUMMING? WAS THIS REALLY BEING PATRIOTIC? IS PHILLIP A JERK? (haha, just kidding) WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON, MISS NARWIN OR PHILLIP? you can read the book and tell me in the mean while I am going to tell you that this book is

WORTH READING! (good for a slow day, and for people who are passionate over their countries.)

4 stars

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

Review from Amazon

Daniel Keyes wrote little SF but is highly regarded for one classic, Flowers for Algernon. As a 1959 novella it won a Hugo Award; the 1966 novel-length expansion won a Nebula. The Oscar-winning movie adaptation Charly (1968) also spawned a 1980 Broadway musical.

Following his doctor's instructions, engaging simpleton Charlie Gordon tells his own story in semi-literate "progris riports." He dimly wants to better himself, but with an IQ of 68 can't even beat the laboratory mouse Algernon at maze-solving:

I dint feel bad because I watched Algernon and I lernd how to finish the amaze even if it takes me along time.

I dint know mice were so smart.

Algernon is extra-clever thanks to an experimental brain operation so far tried only on animals. Charlie eagerly volunteers as the first human subject. After frustrating delays and agonies of concentration, the effects begin to show and the reports steadily improve: "Punctuation, is? fun!" But getting smarter brings cruel shocks, as Charlie realizes that his merry "friends" at the bakery where he sweeps the floor have all along been laughing at him, never with him. The IQ rise continues, taking him steadily past the human average to genius level and beyond, until he's as intellectually alone as the old, foolish Charlie ever was--and now painfully aware of it. Then, ominously, the smart mouse Algernon begins to deteriorate...

Personally, Flowers for Algernon was a very touching story for me maybe more than others. My older sister has a slight version of autism, but it's enough for her to be considered mentally impared. This story was very sad but made me wonder a little bit on a very tough situation that Charlie had to make.

Flowers for Algernon was a powerful book, it made you see what it was like to be mentally impared. Even though Charlie didn't understand most of the things that were happening to him, the reader will understand when Charlie's so called "friends" are really making fun of him.

Charlie was born mentally impared, now as an adult he decides to get some help and go to a clinic where he takes tests and tries to help himself get a better understanding of his disablity. When the doctors come to Charlie with a question that can change his life forever, it doesn't take Charlie that long to answer. The question? If Charlie would like to start over, but not as in go back in time, as in undergo an experiment that they tested worked on a mentally impared mouse named algernon to make Charlie Gordon Smart. Charlie practically leaps towards the idea sending him towards an understanding of how the normal person is suppose to act, how some of the things such as grabbing someone's arm when he got angry is no longer acceptable when he is smart. Charlie falls in love, goes through troubles with the truth that he was too blind to see.

The end of this story was ultimately SAD! so if you are looking for a book to cheer you up, this is the wrong book. But if you are looking for a book to cheer for and change your or someone you knows perspective on the mentally impared then this is a wonderful book.

This is ultimately a book

WORTH READING

5 STARS

by the way this book is based on diary entries, and if you pay attention to them you will start seeing a difference.

Because I Am Furniture by Thalia Chaltas

Anke’s father is abusive. But not to her. He attacks her brother and sister, but she’s just an invisible witness in a house of horrors, on the brink of disappearing altogether. Until she makes the volleyball team at school. At first just being exhausted after practice feels good, but as Anke becomes part of the team, her confidence builds. When she learns to yell “Mine!” to call a ball, she finds a voice she didn’t know existed. For the first time, Anke is seen and heard. Soon, she’s imagining a day that her voice will be loud enough to rescue everyone at home—including herself.
This story was amazing. It is written in a poetic format. I think the story was very detailed on the tragic story of a very messed up family. Anke's father was abusive to her older brother physically and to her older sister sexually and physically. But to him Anke was just furniture which means she doesn't get hit, doesn't get fondled, and doesn't get loved.
I was so proud and happy when Anke made the school's volleyball team even though her father was against it. I hated and still hate Anke's mother, because she KNEW everything that was going on, and she chose not to say or do anything. And her excuse? "I was shielded by my love for your father." That she did what was best for her marriage not her family. I was and still am furious that someone could let their husband RAPE their daughter every night and say nothing about it. It took a few volleyball games for Anke to gain a voice. When Anke's confronts her father when she believes he has officially crossed the line, things get Overly dramatic!
I am saddened that some people around the world have the same sad reality that Anke faced. But i assure all of you that a happy ending is in place if you pick up the phone and call for help! Don't wait until it's too late!
This book was very strong, and i only suggest it to very mature readers that are over 13 years of age.

Without further or due i classify this book as
WORTH READING
5 STARS

The Everafter by Amy Huntley

Review from Amazon
Seventeen-year-old Madison Stanton is dead. When she awakes in a vast expanse of nothingness, she realizes that she doesn't remember her past life, much less how she died. As she explores her surroundings, she finds glowing items scattered about her, such as a bracelet, a pair of socks, keys, and a sweatshirt. When she imagines putting the shirt on her nonexistent body, she's brought back to a moment in her former life. From this experience she learns that every object around her is something that she lost while she was alive, and that using it will bring her spirit back to the moment in which it went missing. Armed with this knowledge, she attempts to discover how she died. With some help from the spirits of her boyfriend Gabe and her ex-friend Tammy, Madison learns the shattering truth of her demise. This fresh take on a teen's journey of self-exploration is a compelling and highly enjoyable tale. Huntley expertly combines a coming-of-age story with a supernatural mystery that keeps readers engrossed until the climactic ending. This touching story will appeal to those looking for a ghost story, romance, or family drama.

The Everafter officially changed my view on the dead. I don't know what the author was thinking, but it was genius! I couldn't put this book away. I was even under the covers with my i-touches flash-light secretly wanting to know what was going to happen next. To be honest this story had a very slow start. At first I was very bored, I was going to stamp this book under the DO NOT READ! but then I kept reading... (like I should've done with ten things I hate about me, and I will do) and I actually was excited to finish the book. The ending was the most surprising, i never saw it coming, well i sort of did after a while but i never thought the hatred was so severe. (If you finish the book you'll understand) I have to admit that other than the slow start this book is one of my favorite of the year. Her actual understanding of her death how to move on with it was amazing. Because i don't know how i would feel if my life was taken too early, i wouldn't think i would accept it. Without further or due, this book was....
Worth Reading!!
4.5 stars

The Pretty One by Cheryl Klam

Review from Amazon
Megan, 16, and her older sister, Lucy, attend the Chesapeake School of the Arts in Baltimore. Lucy is the beautiful and talented school darling, majoring in drama. Megan is a techie, one of the unattractive nerds majoring in set design. She has lived in her sister's shadow, but their relationship has always been loving, with Lucy supportive of her younger sibling. Then, on the night of the school's fall festival, Megan overhears Lucy making negative comments about her looks and overstuffed dress. Overwhelmed with feelings of betrayal, anger, and grief, she runs out of the building, stopping only when she is hit by an oncoming car. Months later, the bandages come off and she is well enough to return to school—as one of the beautiful people. Reconstructive surgery has given her a face more stunning than Lucy's and has wrought more changes in her life than she thought possible. Her secret wishes are coming true, but at what price? The constant attention and focus on her beauty is confusing to her, and she's no longer sure of who she is or what she wants. The protagonist has a strong voice and is a good role model for teens who think that life is easier if you're the pretty one.


Megan's story was amazing! I loved the Pretty One! I could not stop reading it. I couldn't stop thinking that if i were in Megan's position, I would be stumped. Though I would've done something completely different. Megan's life changed when she heard her sister (Lucy) gossiping with a friend on how ugly Megan looked. Megan then runs from her hiding place ( a stall) and keeps running and running and as soon as she knows it, she's on a highway, highlights flashing towards her, rather fast and finally everything going black. Megan's life is permanently changed. But is this new reconstructed Pretty face better for her? When Megan returns to school with her sister Lucy who has been incredibly nice to her, because of how guilty she feels about the whole situation, Megan is surprised to find out that everyone no longer treats her as that loser techie she no longer was. Everyone is now treating her like they would be treating her twin Lucy. Love problems, fights with a jealous sister who Megan use to Envy, and friend problems, Lucy finds herself in a dilemma that she cannot solve. Who knew a pretty face can change so much? I loved all the characters, i didn't like how Megan felt bad for Lucy because Lucy was being a Jealous Brat!!! With capitals on the Jealous and Brat. I also didn't like how Lucy was trying to please everyone! It seemed a little pathetic. Overall i have to give my view on this book and without further or due...

This Book is DEFINITELY WORTH READING!!
4.5 STARS.

Right now I finished a few incredibly Great books!! Here's the list...
As soon as I get on the computer I will update you guys on the
reviews!! Well... I'm talking to myself because I still!! Don't have
any followers/ fans/ readers... But anyway if any1 begins reading then
stay in tune for these books
The Pretty One by Cheryl Klam
The Everafter By Amy Huntly
Exclusively Chole By J.A. Yang
Because I am furniture by Thalia Chaltas

I read these books in the past month and I have to say that they are
just so good I can't wait to review them.