South Doyle Phoenix: 10 Summer Reads

10 Summer Reads

By: Moira Webb

With summer rapidly approaching, people are making vacation plans. However, what to do when you are on the plane or in the car? You can pick up a book and be entertained without having to charge something. Here are some suggestions of some fantastic books to read over the summer.

· The Grimm Legacy- This is a tale, by Polly Shulman, of a teenage girl named Elizabeth. Her teacher assigns her whole class an essay, and gives her a list of things to choose from. She is the only person who chooses the topic, the brothers Grimm. Her teacher suggests she check out a local library, The Repository. She notices something strange when she realized that this library lends items, not books. She soon becomes a volunteer at the library and discovers a secret room. The room holds magical objects from the Grimm stories. After magical objects start disappearing, she must team up with her friends in an attempt to save humanity.

· It’s Kind of a Funny Story- This story, written by the late Ned Vizzini, follows the life of a fifteen year old named Craig. The pressure of school and family becomes too much for Craig to handle, and one night, decides to end his life. However, thinking of all he could loose, he calls the Suicide Hotline, and changes his mind. He checks into a psychiatric hospital, wanting to be safe. However, the minors’ department is closed for construction, and is put with adults. He creates friendships that will last a lifetime, and with the help of his new friends, realizes the good in life.

· Cat’s Cradle- This odd tale, written by Kurt Vonnegut, follows a reporter/author named Jonah. He is writing a book on the day America bombed Hiroshima. His quest leads him to the children of a scientist who created a substance called “ice-nine”. His adventure then takes him to the island of San Lorenzo, where havoc begins.

· The Count of Monte Cristo- This story is written by Alexandre Dumas. It is about the life of a sailor turned Count, Edmund Dantès. It describes his life as he is betrayed by three people that he thought he could trust. Follow him through this tale of glory, riches, love, and revenge.

· The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch- This book, written by Joseph Delaney, focuses on the life of the thirteen year old Thomas J. Ward. He is a seventh son of a seventh son, which means he must train to become the county Spook. Spooks ward off demons, banes, witches, and all other malevolent forces in the area. He then goes off to train with the local Spook, John Gregory, and begins his life of fighting dark forces, and meeting new people. It is the first book of the riveting series.

· Lord of the Flies- William Golding creates a fantastic scenario of young school boys being trapped on a deserted island, in this novel set just after World War II. While things seem good on the island, a fire is brewing within. It depicts the savagery of man, and just how far into depravity humans can go. Moral values are questioned in this exciting story.

· …Then Just Stay Fat- If you are looking for a feel good book, then this is not for you. This weight-loss book, written by Shannon Sorrells, is a great read if you are looking to lose a few pounds this summer. While it has good exercising tips, its main technique is “motivation”. Sorells’ effective idea of motivation, consists of berating anything and everything. However, it is always important to remember that losing weight shouldn’t be taken to extremes.

· The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe- This collection of works by the literary genius, Edgar Allen Poe, is guaranteed to engage and interest the reader. It consists of poems, stories, and other works. The book is filled with brilliantly written pieces, and is a classic in literature.