A couple years after posting on this blog...
Our friendship is still going strong!
Long live word girls Paige and Caroline!
Also, if you would like to read some of my recent creative writing, please visit:
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
A Midsummer Night's Dream
by William Shakespeare
(well, it's a classic)
For many of you, "No Fear Shakespeare" has become a staple in your literary sphere. However, there's nothing like the real thing! I would highly recommend reading the ACTUAL Shakespeare (I know, it's going to be okay) to fully experience the depth of the writing. The play is actually humorous when you finally sit down and read it, and this is one of those unchallenged classics that you are expected to have read. No "Cliff Notes" version, no "No Fear Shakespeare" is necessary; just the play and the 'elegant' language that it includes.
I wisheth thou happy reading-eth,
Word Girl Caroline
Saturday, February 26, 2011
The Adoration of Jenna Fox (3 stars)
The Adoration of Jenna Fox
Mary E. Pearson
266 pages
This book was ok. It was suggested to me by my biology teacher, who requested that the entire class read it as it deals with biomedical ethics and science. The book is about a girl named Jenna Fox, who awakens from a year long coma with no memory. Her parents won't tell her anything about the accident, and she has to find out what has happened. The story line was really great and original. However, the writing is choppy and takes some getting used to. The choppiness could be partially due to the fact that the plot is revealed through Jenna's thoughts, and she is still regaining her memory. All in all, it wasn't very good. I really liked the scientific aspect of it, and I wish that the author had expanded on that. I would recommend this book purely because of how interesting the material was. Happy Reading!
Sincerely,
Word Girl Paige
Mary E. Pearson
266 pages
This book was ok. It was suggested to me by my biology teacher, who requested that the entire class read it as it deals with biomedical ethics and science. The book is about a girl named Jenna Fox, who awakens from a year long coma with no memory. Her parents won't tell her anything about the accident, and she has to find out what has happened. The story line was really great and original. However, the writing is choppy and takes some getting used to. The choppiness could be partially due to the fact that the plot is revealed through Jenna's thoughts, and she is still regaining her memory. All in all, it wasn't very good. I really liked the scientific aspect of it, and I wish that the author had expanded on that. I would recommend this book purely because of how interesting the material was. Happy Reading!
Sincerely,
Word Girl Paige
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Russian Winter By Daphne Kalotay (4 stars)
Russian Winter
Daphne Kalotay
480 pages
Teen-adult appropriate
Russian Winter is about Russian ballerina who has defected to the United States. Half of it is set in the past, in the ballerina's prime in Russia, and half is set in the present, when the ballerina is retired and auctioning off her jewels to benefit the Boston Ballet. Every other chapter switches. I liked this book, but probably because it had a ballerina in it and because the Russian aspect was interesting. While I was reading it, I was transported inside the book. The language was very descriptive and well written. The happiness of her past is juxtaposed with the pain and loss of the present in each alternating chapter. There is a subplot of a scholar who seems to know Nina (the ballerina) and a young women who is managing Nina's jewels. It is a long read, but it is worth it. The imagery is fantastic, and you feel all of the emotions that the characters feel. I was truly transported to another world. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in ballet, soviet Russia, or just plain likes to read for fun. Go forth and read it!
~ word girl Paige
Daphne Kalotay
480 pages
Teen-adult appropriate
Russian Winter is about Russian ballerina who has defected to the United States. Half of it is set in the past, in the ballerina's prime in Russia, and half is set in the present, when the ballerina is retired and auctioning off her jewels to benefit the Boston Ballet. Every other chapter switches. I liked this book, but probably because it had a ballerina in it and because the Russian aspect was interesting. While I was reading it, I was transported inside the book. The language was very descriptive and well written. The happiness of her past is juxtaposed with the pain and loss of the present in each alternating chapter. There is a subplot of a scholar who seems to know Nina (the ballerina) and a young women who is managing Nina's jewels. It is a long read, but it is worth it. The imagery is fantastic, and you feel all of the emotions that the characters feel. I was truly transported to another world. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in ballet, soviet Russia, or just plain likes to read for fun. Go forth and read it!
~ word girl Paige
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen
298 pages
5 stars
(classic)
In starting Pride and Prejudice, you, naturally, have some prejudice towards the book; it is one of the most popular Jane Austen books of all time. Upon actually beginning it, however, you realize that this book is definitely not what it seems to be. The old english gives the literature an unexpected class, and naturally, the overwhelming twists in the plot will keep even the most seasoned Jane Austen fans interested. This novel will be re-read time and time again for years to come (as it always has been). I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a really good classic.
Happy Reading!
Word Girl Caroline
Sunday, January 2, 2011
The Book of Luke by Jenny O'Connell
The Book of Luke
Jenny O'Connell
4.5 stars
304 pages
(teen/young adult)
When high school senior Emily Abbott is hit with the news of her father's sudden job transfer, she believes that things can't be any worse. She has to leave her seemingly perfect life--perfect friends, boyfriend, and hopes of becoming valedictorian behind. Her situation worsens when her boyfriend breaks up with her on the morning of the departure, and she has to cope with heartbreak all the way to Boston. Luckily, she reconnects quickly with old friends and tries as hard as she can to blend in. When, however, the senior class is forced to contribute to a time capsule, she and her friends hatch a plan to make a guide that will supposedly help future girls deal with heartbreak. They find the perfect model to help them finish the guide-an "evil" ex-boyfriend named Luke. As the girls become more involved in the project, they see that not only Luke has things to learn--they do as well. I would recommend this book to teens who need a really quick and easy read. This has a fun, upbeat pace and twists in the plot make this book all the more interesting. I read the entire book on an airplane!
Happy Reading (and Holidays),
Word Girl Caroline
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
Incarceron
Catherine Fisher
464 pages
Incarceron was a very interesting book. It is set in either an alternate universe or the future and centers around a prison called Incarceron. Only one person has ever escaped, but that doesn't stop Finn from trying to figure out his past and escape. Claudia is the warden's daughter who has been raised in the lap of luxury and is soon going to marry a prince and become Queen. I thought it was a pretty good book, although a little predictable. It is very intense, and I read it in two sittings as I could hardly put it down. It took me a while to figure out exactly what was going on in the beginning, as Fisher does not put enough background in. (at least for my preferences). It really is a fascinating book. It is Fantasy mixed with Sci Fi, which is an interesting blend. All in all, I thought this was a pretty good book. I would not read it again, though. I recommend this book to middle school students and high school students who enjoy fast paced fantasy novels. There is a sequel out, but I don't think I will be reading it.
Happy Holidays!
Word Girl Paige
Catherine Fisher
464 pages
Incarceron was a very interesting book. It is set in either an alternate universe or the future and centers around a prison called Incarceron. Only one person has ever escaped, but that doesn't stop Finn from trying to figure out his past and escape. Claudia is the warden's daughter who has been raised in the lap of luxury and is soon going to marry a prince and become Queen. I thought it was a pretty good book, although a little predictable. It is very intense, and I read it in two sittings as I could hardly put it down. It took me a while to figure out exactly what was going on in the beginning, as Fisher does not put enough background in. (at least for my preferences). It really is a fascinating book. It is Fantasy mixed with Sci Fi, which is an interesting blend. All in all, I thought this was a pretty good book. I would not read it again, though. I recommend this book to middle school students and high school students who enjoy fast paced fantasy novels. There is a sequel out, but I don't think I will be reading it.
Happy Holidays!
Word Girl Paige
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