The ASMSA Book Mafia

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

2010-05-12T09:09:00.001-05:00

Will Grayson, Will Grayson is about two guys of the same name meeting each other in a chance encounter. The story is told from both of their perspectives, and it's interesting to see what they think of each other and the other's situation. Shortly after their meeting, the book seemed to drag on and became rather dull. It's not a fast-paced book, so if you like that, then you might like Will Grayson, Will Grayson.

Amanda Maglothin

Anastasia's Secret

2010-05-12T09:03:00.000-05:00

Anastasia's Secret is fictional account about the secret love of Anastasia Romanov. The author did a lot of research and fitted the story around the actual events. Several characters and events were fabricated though to fit the story line. It reads like a diary or autobiography, and can be rather dull at times. There is also quite a bit on WWI and unrest in Russia at the time.

Amanda Maglothin

The Other Girl

2010-05-12T08:59:00.000-05:00

I read Inside the Mind of Gideon Rayburn, so I knew the basic back story for The Other Girl. I really liked it since it switched between minds and gave the perspective of the pretty girl. If you liked Inside the Mind of Gideon Rayburn, then you'll more than likely like The Other Girl. The look inside the others' minds goes from being a good thing to a nightmare, and it's fun to see how Molly tries to get herself out of their minds, while saving the day.

Amanda Maglothin

I love you and I'm leaving you anyway by Tracy McMillian

2010-05-11T18:52:00.000-05:00

This book was not the typical female teen uplift novel. There were no cliche plot lines, and according to the author it was completely nonfiction. This story is about a woman whose father is a pimp and because of it she has lots of man issues. Every good man she has, she can't keep because it doesn't feel right, and through the birth of her son, she discovers what it takes to love herself and a man properly.

Cracked up to Be

2010-05-06T23:02:00.000-05:00

I really liked Cracked up to Be. I thought that it was awesome how it showed the cause and effects of a perfect girl's downward spiral. It felt real and raw. Cracked up to Be's ending left off at what I thought was the right place since Parker was starting recovery, rather than drawing out the book into something without the supporting characters.

Amanda Maglothin

Pretty Dead

2010-05-06T22:58:00.000-05:00

Pretty Dead was an interesting twist on vampire fiction. I like that it not only focused on the protagonist's present and relationships, but as well as her past at significant points in history. If you like vampires, you'll probably like Pretty Dead.

Amanda Maglothin

"A Love Story Starring my Dead Best Friend"

2010-05-05T23:17:00.000-05:00

I've been meaning to write a review on this novel for some time. Since it's been a while, the details aren't fresh in my mind, but my overall sentiments on the book are the same.
I've never been a fan of LGBT literature. The melodrama and self-pity surrounding the protagonists is a big turn-off, and in that respect, this book was no different. It knitted together two story lines rather sloppily - the second of which was centered around a musical called "Totally Sweet Ninja Death Squad." The title of this project in itself is juvenile and all too reminiscent of seventh-grade comics sketched while bored in science class. The fact that a musical is a major plot point is somewhat disappointing as it emphasizes common cliches about homosexuals that are sweeping generalizations.
I would have liked to have seen the other sub-plot expanded, a coming-of-age story about a girl discovering her sexuality and developing meaningful relationships through an interesting series of encounters along her journey to self-discovery. These sections of the book were well-written, compelling, and truly brought to light the complicated emotions that fill everyone - regardless of sexuality - as they discover who they are and what this thing we call "love" really is.

Emily Dobson

The Gardener By: S. A. Bodeen

2010-05-01T17:44:00.000-05:00

This book was a really well thought out novel, but was a little slow moving. The characters seemed to flow together, and the overall plot was intriguing. Past being slow moving, This novel was great.

~Tait Clements

Fang by: James Patterson

2010-04-28T19:16:00.000-05:00

Don't get me wrong, the Maximum Ride series it one of my favorite series of all time; however, with this new book I think that I can honestly say it's gone on long enough. Fang does not have the same plot and twists that are present in the first three books. It seems like it was just written to appease the fans rather than to further the storyline. I think that it is finally time to draw the line and just end the series already.

-Kat Steel

Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore

2010-04-26T20:13:00.000-05:00

Great book! Full of magic, love,... I would really like to see a sequel for this book. I just want to know what happens to the automaton. He can't stay like that forever!

~Olivia Hilario

The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller

2010-04-26T20:04:00.000-05:00

Wow, Deja vu! This book was my favorite. Once you read it, you can't help but keep going until you're at the last page. The only thing I didn't like was that these two people (who are so much in love with each other) had to repeat life over and over again... because they were never together in their previous life.
Highly recommend it! :D

~Olivia Hilario

Compromised by Heidi Ayarbe

2010-04-26T16:40:00.000-05:00

This book is my favorite book out of all the Book Mafia books I have read the past two years! Not only does it give a great example of how screwed up the foster care system is, it shows how Maya, the main character, is able to beat the system and win her freedom. I also loved the use of the Scientific Method to solve her life problems in the book! :)

I highly recommend the book! Its a quick read and I had the hardest time doing anything else but reading this book! READ IT! I give it two thumbs WAY UP!

Sawyer Irwin

The Secret Year by Jenniffer R. Hubbard

2010-04-26T16:34:00.000-05:00

One word - AMAZING! This is just one of those books that you have to read and experience for yourself! I love how the story of Colten and Julia becomes real the more and more you read, like it really happened. I had a hard time putting this one down and I would definitely re-read it!

Sawyer Irwin

Seth Baumgartner's Love Manifesto: Review By Lexi Acello

2010-04-26T15:38:00.000-05:00

I liked this book but it was lengthy and repetitive. The character always seemed to repeat himself and have the same problems. However, his narrations are cute and often funny. The plot line is typical and predictable but other than that it is a quick, though not remarkable, read.

Lexi Acello

Fang

2010-04-26T13:52:00.001-05:00

While I have a long standing loyalty to James Patterson for his many novels, I have to say I was somewhat disappointed by the next novel in the Maximum Ride series. It kept the smae feel of Maximum Ride and all of the characters were there this time, but it was mainly a focus on the relationship between Max and Fang. The first book was brilliant and had new ideas for literature, but I feel as if the series has degreaded from there. It dissolved from a Sci-fi action novel to a love story. I do support their relationships, I just wish it were more of an underlying theme and not the main focus of the story.
-Marina

NightShade

2010-04-26T13:39:00.000-05:00

Nightshade is a book that will keep the reader in the story. I know when I read the book I could barely put it down. Nightshade is an intense book that would be good for any one to read. This book takes a turn from all the regular vampire and wolves books that are out right now. I would suggest this book to anyone who enjoys a good story!
-Felicia

Forget Her Nots

2010-03-31T11:43:00.000-05:00

The one thing about this bookt is the language of flowers and each flower has a different meaning. It is the one thing that really just caught my attention. That is just about all I have to say about this book.

By: Jazmin Broadway

Anxious Hearts

2010-03-31T11:39:00.000-05:00

The story of two couples set in two different time periods, but yet going through the exact same problems at the exact same time was intriguing to me. In the beginning I was a little confused about what was going on, but as I continued to read I understood. The author made it to were the modern couple was living through the life of the past couple. As if the spirits of lovers before them lived on in them. I did not want to put the book down for one second, that is just how good it was to me.

By: Jazmin Broadway

The Outside of a Horse by Ginny Rorby

2010-03-30T16:50:00.000-05:00

As someone who has read MANY horse books let me start by saying: omg this was Awesome!!! The story truly captures the essence of being a loving horse owner and the trials that came to light with being a horse owner. The joys and the pains of horsemanship are acted out so (insert another word for "awesomely") that....I'm speechless. Also, the plot is something most teens can relate too. The daughter of an injured soldier coming home from the Iraq War has to help her father heal. I mean Wow!!! Eye opener!!

I don't know what to say except: Read it!!! You will be moved.

No trash here. Total love.

-Deana Hughes

The Boticelli Secret by Marina Fiorato

2010-03-11T19:46:00.000-06:00

Great book with an interesting message. Best if read with some knowledge of world history, the book is written in the very easy language of a simple prostitute during the late 1400's. Filled with thrilling moments, romance, a bit of art history, and a lot of vulgar humor, this book was just fun to read.

- Haley Blackledge

Happyface by Stephen Emond

2010-03-11T19:43:00.000-06:00

Don't be fooled by the title. Even though the book looks like it will be a journal of a 15 yr old boy with cute drawings of his family, the story gets grimmer throughout the book. It leaves the reader hanging, with no significant outcome. Actually quite disappointing. The book is nice for a light read, but if you decide to read it do not expect too much.

-Haley Blackledge

As Easy as Falling Off the Face of the Earth by Lynne Rae Perkins

2010-03-11T19:39:00.002-06:00

DO NOT READ THIS BOOK! It is poorly written and aimed at an age group much lower than ours. It was ridiculous how hard I had to force myself to continue reading. The story alone is bad, the main character is stupid. Just don’t read it.

- Tiffany Gibson

The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

2010-03-11T19:39:00.001-06:00

I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS WOMAN! The companion novel to The Forest of Hands and Teeth was far better than expected but didn’t exactly live up to what I had heard about it. I am not however bashing this book, it was great. I have a few complaints though, the first is that the story is verrrrrrrrrrrry similar to The Forest of Hands and Teeth; I suppose that should be expected because they are companion novels – and perhaps I was cranky – but about a third into the book I thought, “This can’t be the same story, *sigh*.” The second complaint was that the last 40 pages are redundant and unnecessary – you should learn from your mistakes and move on, don’t hold on to the past, start fresh, blah blah I got it. As a whole, The Dead-Tossed Waves is amazing and I would definitely recommend both it and it’s predecessor.

- Tiffany Gibson

The Returners by Gemma Malley

2010-03-11T19:38:00.002-06:00

This book covers dark topics through the mind of a simple 16 yr old. The book slowly develops, but not so slow that you feel like you are given too much unnecessary detail or that it is dragged out. The book is a nice quick read, with interesting topics surrounded by the idea of karma and reincarnation. Good overall, definitely appropriate for a more mid teen audience.

-Haley Blackledge

The Karma Club by Jessica Brody

2010-03-11T19:38:00.001-06:00

I thought I would instantly love any book that began, “ The Hunky Dough Boy,” but I was slightly disappointed in this book. It was too much drama for me and the main character lacked common sense (you can’t change karma or the universe. Omg. >.<). It was okay to read, and I suppose if you had time to kill I might recommend it, but it’s not high on my list. The writing was decent, there was a moral to the story, but overall I was underwhelmed.

- Tiffany Gibson

Anastasia's Secret by Susanne Dunlap

2010-03-11T19:36:00.001-06:00

If you’re a fan of the Romanov’s, then this book is for you. In this wonderful historical fiction about the downfall of the Romanov’s downfall, Susanne Dunlap (author of The Musician’s Daughter) explores the life of the Romanov’s youngest daughter. Although slightly drawn out, the plot is exciting and throws a few twists with just enough hint of romance to keep you interested. It’s a nice read for a rainy day.

- Tiffany Gibson

Fallen by Lauren Kate

2010-03-11T19:31:00.000-06:00

A mysterious story involving theological issues, deaths, and a juvenile detention school. Fast paced and filled with interesting turns, the book leaves you with a good understanding of the characters, but the reader feels like not enough background was given. One book I can't wait for the sequel to come out later in the year. I would definitely recommend this book.

-Haley Blackledge

The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard

2010-03-11T17:57:00.000-06:00

The Secret Year was Veronica Mars meets The Notebook. The only thing this book was lacking was an actual mystery to solve; it was well-written and intriguing. It had enough sappy teen romance to keep you entertained without putting you into a sugar coma. I would definitely recommend this read, it was great! A wonderful way to start off the new set of Book Mafia books :D!

- Tiffany Gibson

31 Bond Street

2010-03-10T21:19:00.000-06:00

31 Bond Street is an excellent historical fiction crime novel. It is told from varying view points and at different points in time. 31 Bond Street jumps from the present crime to the months before and illustrates the relationships of the characters. You never quite know "whodunnit" until the end, and the killer's identity and motivation is rather unexpected. Anyone who likes a good murder mystery or historical fiction will enjoy 31 Bond Street.

xoxo,

Amanda Maglothin

Hawksmaid

2010-03-10T16:12:00.000-06:00

It's a good book with a plot that has not been "over-used". It is an easy read with a simple storyline.

However, this book is geared toward a younger audience (around the 5th grade). The storyline did move faster than I would have preferred, and the characters were not developed as much as would have made the story more interesting.

Random Rating: ☻☻☻☺☺

Birthmarked

2010-03-10T15:18:00.000-06:00

Excellent book!!!! Absolutely a must read for any fans of The Giver. The plot flowed nicely and it had a few unexpected twists and turn. Defiantly one that I would read more than once. I really hope there is a sequel.

However, I couldn't help but notice how close this story was to The Giver. I mean, a community shut off from the outside world in a futuristic setting where kids are designated certain jobs to fulfill in their adult life...it is cutting it a little close. I could defiantly see this book becoming a side story to The Giver. There are enough deviations to make Birthmarked its own entity and I believe teens will enjoy it.

-Deana Hughes

A Note From the Don

2010-03-10T14:57:00.000-06:00

Remember! When you post a book review, use the name as the post title and sign your name at the bottom! Otherwise we don't know which student reviewed which books!

Jump

2010-03-08T11:19:00.001-06:00

I recently read "Jump" and found myself utterly consumed in the story. What I expected to be a simple novel about runaway juvenile delinquents was instead a truly enjoyable read. The characters were well-rounded and, through clever use of narrative, the author crafted an unusually strong connection to the reader. In contrast to many of the books I have seen recently, there was true depth to the plot. It grappled with familiar topics of teenage angst and awkward sexual tension while exploring the deeper world of spirituality, self-identity, and human worth. I found the writing style to be approachable yet appropriate for a more mature audience. I was drawn to the concept of a rock-climbing adventure as it presented a rather innovative context for the action of the story that certainly added to the suspenseful scenes. I would highly recommend "Jump" to anyone looking for a thrilling read that boasts depth and substance, complex characters, and a well-developed plot.

Geak Charming

2009-04-22T16:05:00.001-05:00

Rant/Rave: This can be easily summed up. Can't Buy Me Love. See also: Drive Me Crazy. See Also: Love Don't Cost a Thing. (All movies with the EXACT SAME STORYLINE) On the bright side, it is a happy story line. Loser gets into popular girl's world, she sees the best sides of him, they fall into high school love/like and end up happily ever after, at least for a week or so. However, on the dim side, can't authors find something new to write about for once? Or at least recycle something a little less used.

Jack Ward

I loved, I lost, I made spaghetti by Giulia Melucci

2009-04-22T15:52:00.000-05:00

I was incredibly sad when I learned this was a memoir.

Rave: This book was....easy to read I guess.
Rant: This book, (maybe because it was real?) was somewhat dull the narrator was what I might call pathetic if I were in a particularly feisty mood. I did not read to the end because it was basically a telling and retelling of her bad luck with love and good luck with recipes.

Jack Ward

That darn book of things to be miserable about by the romeos

2009-04-22T15:49:00.000-05:00

Rave: The concept is cute/funny and of course, proving that some cliches actually are true, misery does sometimes love company. Not always but sometimes.
Rant: Despite the comedy factor, a lot of the subjects termed worthy of misery aren't. For instance, skinny people who say they're fat are not really worthy of my misery as much as they are worthy of my pity and annoyance. Possibly worthy of my concern even. Also, Monica Lewinsky? Fat people who complain they're skinny? Hospitals that smell of disinfectant? Show me a hospital that does not smell like cleaning products and I'll show you a hospital to fear. Cleaning products have strong smells. If you can't smell them, they probably are not being used.

Jack Ward

King of Screwups by K.L.Going

2009-04-20T10:29:00.000-05:00

Warning: I am unsure if I already did a review for this book. If so, disregard this one. Just covering my bases.

Rave: The dialogue was good and even though the character was not a typical teenager by any means, the book was easy to get into as was the characters perspective. Usually I do not see eye to eye with poorly behaved rich boys but this narrator was simply confused and insecure, something most people find easy to forgive.
Rant: The whole story seemed to be building up for some fantastic ending but the end was a complete and total letdown. Nothing happened.

Jack Ward

Forever by Meg Cabot

2009-04-20T10:25:00.000-05:00

Rave: Um.
Rant: I am not sure why Cabot finds it necessary to explain every moment of Princess Mia's life or why she felt the need to write 20 books about it. I found the first few books in the series lighthearted and amusing. Mia, being an awkward teen girl, supplied other teen girls with material to compare themselves to and EVERY girl can come out looking good against her. She is insecure but initially it was endearing. At the point in the series, Mia is a senior and she does not seem to have matured at all. The story has taken ridiculous turns and now is almost impossible to relate to at all. Perhaps someone should suggest to Cabot a vacation or even retirement.

Jack Ward

Envy by Anna Godbersen

2009-04-20T10:18:00.000-05:00

Rave: Where Rumors was a typical sequel, Envy is also a typical triquel (as defined by urban dictionary....). It is almost as good as Rumors but not quite. The story ends without being resolved leaving the reader to assume there will be a fourth. And so there shall. There was a preview in the back of Splendors cover.
Rant: By the time Envy was being written there was not much left to do with the story so Godbersen alternated between dragging the story out with description and meaningless conversation or adding ludicrous twists to the story.

Jack Ward

Rumors by Anna Godbersen

2009-04-20T10:14:00.000-05:00

Rave: The entire Luxe series is great for anyone who has a little time on their hands, enjoys watching gossip Girl and knows the difference between a black tie and a white tie affair. Rumors is a typical sequel; not quite as good as the first but anyone who really enjoyed The Luxe will want to read it and see how the scandals play out.

Rant: It is somewhat tiring to hear an endless description of dresses and houses.

Jack Ward

Wintergirls-Laurie Halse Anderson

2009-02-04T11:11:00.000-06:00

Wow. Wow. Wow. WOW. WOW!

This novel was amazing, as is all of Laurie Anderson's work. Wintergirls is a novel focused on the progression of an eighteen year old girl's disease of anorexia, that grows worse after her best friend (a bulimic) dies alone in a hotel room. The prose in this novel are breathtaking, capturing the tone and essance of a girl in need, a girl who can only count calories and wants to slice her skin open to let her pain out.

As in Speak, Anderson creates a character that is nothing but flawed, who's issue controls her entire life. Anderson has a gift of capturing the twisted worlds of girls trapped within their issues. It was a deeply captivating read, and I think that any parent who has a daughter with an eating disorder should be aware by reading this novel. The only way to truly understand someone's disease is to place yourself in their shoes, and this novel is a perfect portal to such a place.

-Tara Sheffer, President of the Book Mafia

Death by Latte-Linda Gerber

2009-01-28T13:43:00.000-06:00

I must first state for the record that, I, Tara Sheffer, have never had a novel published nor have I ever been considered for publication.

That said, I must ask Linda Gerber...what were you thinking? Serious kudos on the publication of Death by Bikini and Death by Latte...but I seriously did not understand the concept, let alone the allure of this novel. I honestly could not make it through this book, not even to page three. I hate to be so negative in my first review, but I was the first and only person who picked this short novel off the Book Mafia cart. I would not reccomend it.

-Tara Sheffer, President of the Book Mafia

Melting Stones

2009-01-07T10:24:00.001-06:00

Melting Stones by Tamora Pierce is a wonderful continuation of the Circle of Magic and the Circle Opens quartets. Melting Stones takes the reader on a journey of action, suspense, and magic as the reader follows the young stone mage Evvy. This was a great book and I highly recommend it. However, readers new to books by Tamora Pierce would find it beneficial to first read her other books for a greater understanding of the character's backgrounds.

Charissa Lowery

Melting Stones

2009-01-06T12:32:00.000-06:00

Melting Stones by Tamora Pierce is a great book if you've read the others that she has wrote. The characters drag you in and lock you in a suspence. I would only recommend it if you have read the others. If you haven't you will get lost.

Karena Smith

Lamplighter

2009-01-05T19:46:00.000-06:00

I did not read Lamplighter till halfway through Christmas break.
Looking at the title and the title of the series, Monster Blood Tattoo, I was unimpressed. But I was quickly reminded of the truth of the phrase, "Never judge a book by its cover".

It was a very interesting book.
Cornish quickly draws the reader into his world of monsters with his strange drawings and writing style. Cornish even has the ability to make up words off the top of his head and incorporate them into his tale successfully.

I read it in one sitting of 14 hours, only stopping when I became hungry.
From beginning to end, it is an enthralling tale; I only wish that I could find a copy of Foundling to read so that I could understand some of the things that happen in lamplighter.

Jason Curlin

Coming soon

2008-05-01T20:34:00.001-05:00

In August 2008, members of the Book Mafia at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts in Hot Springs, Arkansas, will be posting reviews of books they read from the library collection.

Check back then to see what our students have to say...