Reading is my ESCAPE from Reality!

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Brutal indeed...

Review:

Brutal Youth: A Novel - Anthony Breznican

We should be afraid . . . over how easy it is to go wrong, trying to make others do right. - Chapter 5

Sometimes, when you are feeling your worst, an extra stab of pain doesn't hurt at all. Hopelessness is a great anesthetic. - Chapter 41

The best revenge you can get is making people see the worst parts of themselves.

- Chapter 47

Okay, so a book called Brutal Youth doesn't really sound like a feel good kind of book. And knowing it was about bullying, I didn't expect it to be all roses. But, this book was kind of difficult to read. There was a sense of hopelessness and a lack of control over circumstances throughout the book that bothered me. It seemed like no matter what some of the characters tried to do, they couldn't stop the worst from happening.

The book is well-written and interesting. I always wanted to see what would happen next, but I still found the book a bit depressing. I always look for the best in people, but even some characters I thought were good ended up disappointing me.

So, the book is an interesting look at a culture that not only allows bullying, but seems to encourage it. And how people that have the best intentions sometimes end up causing the most harm.

Recommended to:
This book is for adults. There is a lot of violence and sexual references. If you are interested in books that examine youth and how wrong things can go, then this book is for you. But, I suggest you keep in mind that it isn't a feel-good book.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1204363/brutal-indeed

Ratchet - Review

Review:

This Journal Belongs to Ratchet - Nancy J. Cavanaugh

If only getting a new life were as easy as getting a new notebook. But it's not. --page 1

Everything in my life is old and recycled. --page 2

Dad's motto: "If the Good Lord wanted us to throw everything away, he would've put a Dumpster right outside the Garden of Eden. --page 3

Ratchet is 11 and she has always been homeschooled. Her mother died years ago and her father has been raising her alone. Since she was six, she has been helping her father with his job - he fixes cars in the garage. Her real name is Rachel, but no one calls her that. Her dad gave her the nickname because she reminds him of a ratchet, the way she helps make all his jobs easier. Ratchet doesn't like being different. She doesn't like that her father doesn't have a job where he wears a suit and goes to an office. She doesn't like being homeschooled. And she doesn't like never having any friends. This year, Ratchet has decided her life is going to change. She is going to make a friend.

This is a enjoyable story about a young girl trying to find her way. The story is told via entries in Ratchet's homeschool writing journal. Ratchet's voice is believable and quite relatable. She worries constantly that she is different and her father is different. She wonders about her mother. She wants to know more about her mother to maybe find out more about herself. And most of all she wants to find a friend. Since she doesn't go to school, making friends is harder than usual, but she is determined. I enjoyed reading Ratchet's story and I was rooting for her all the way. I wanted her to realize that people will like her for who she is and that she doesn't need to change for others.

Recommended to:
Middle grade girls (5th-8th). This is a fun story that I think young girls will relate to and enjoy. A quick, fun read with a positive female character.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1200175/ratchet-review

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Reading progress update: I've read 27%.

The day after Father Mercedes issued his threats, Sister Maria instituted the Brother-Sister Code. "The hazing tradition can go on," she told an assembly of students in Palisade Hall. "But seniors may no longer indiscriminately terrorize any given freshman. Each individual senior has four weeks to choose one freshman to adopt as a little brother or sister, which will last until the Hazing Day picnic. You can have your fun, and good-natured teasing is acceptable, but from that point forward, you will be a mentor -- not just a tormentor." After some initial grumbling, the upperclassmen seemed to accept it, though Sister Maria worried when she overheard some of them referring to it as the new "Master and Slave" program.

Do we have a fail-safe if an especially cruel senior chooses an especially weak freshman to be a personal punching bag?" Zimmer asked.
"Then we intercede," she said. "But in the meantime, at least he will have only one punching bag."

Um... How can this seem like a good idea to anyone, let alone in a high school where bullying and hazing are everywhere and most of the faculty is afraid to stand up to the seniors? Just because the hazing has been happening for years and years, doesn't mean it's a good idea.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1199560/reading-progress-update-i-ve-read-27