Monday, March 26, 2007

The Da Vinci Code

In The Da Vinci Code, Professor Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Nevue are challenged with the test of uncovering the person responsible for the death of the Louvre Museum curator. Everything becomes more complicated when Robert and Sophie discover that Jacques Saunier, the late curator, was very much involved in a secret organization called The Priory of Sion. The two companions travel all over Europe discovering ancient secrets using Robert's knowledge of ancient symbology and Sophie's memories of her grandfather. At the end of the chase, Sophie and Robert discover secrets they had never imagined possible.

I really enjoyed reading this book because it is one book that really held my attention. Dan Brown's interesting writing style and techniques really added to the plot, and i found myself reading for hours without stopping. The exciting plot kept me guessing what would happen next and it never ceased to surprise me with new circumstances and occurrences. I feel that this book is one that anyone who enjoys suspense and an interesting plot should consider reading.

Monday, March 12, 2007

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson serves two major requirements; it presents us with a shocking view of the most aberrational areas of our minds and how sometimes they are in conflict woth logic and societal norms and makes a chilling read of it. Therefore it is safe to say that it is a must read for anyone interested in psychological thrillers. The story, narrated by an omniscent third person point of view, focuses on certain incidents that occur in the life of Mr. Utterson, which lead him to revelations about his closest company. It involves the strange behaviour of Dr. Jekyll, a close friend of Mr. Utterson, Mr. Hyde, a widely abhorred figure of society that is charged with murder, a house with no windows, a strange laboratory, and some sort of legal connection between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Why is it that Dr. Jekyll's health continues to decline? Why is it that Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde cannot be met together? What is the secret that haunts Jekyll leads him to a life of obscurity? These are just a few of the questions to be answered in this absolutely breathtaking mystery story.

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

"Haveli" by Suzanne Fisher Staples, tells the story of Shabanu, whose husband, Rahim, is the descendant of a rich family. Set in Northern India, the story focuses on both the cruelty endured by Shabanu at the hands of Rahim's three other wives and her struggle to relive the free life she used to know as a child living in the Cholistan Desert. When she finds that Rahim will let her and her daughter reside in 'Haveli', an old home of the family far removed from the hassles of her present life, she feels almost as though all her worries have been wisked away, however, with life in the city comes the city's people, and she soon finds herself falling in love with another man.
"Haveli" is a unique story that neither compromises detail for action nor action for detail and takes care to let the reader explore even the miniscule pleasures and hassles of Indian rural life while providing an engrossing tale that will be enjoyed by anyone who has interest in other cultures.

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Fish

'Fish' by L.S Matthews tells the story of Tiger, a child whose parents have devoted their lives to the liberation of the poor in a war-ravaged country. As Tiger, Tiger's parents, a donkey, a guide and a fish, whom Tiger rescues from a drying puddle, embark on a journey to travel to safety, we have a story about struggle and survival.
The book is written from Tiger's point of view and uses simple language that younger readers can understand as well. As the group travels along a harsh path, several lessons are learned by readers about the difficulties in a poverty stricken country and the importance of life.

The Kite Rider

The "Kite Rider" by Geraldine McCaughrean is a beautiful book that encompasses probably all aspects and emotions of life; luxury, happiness, downfall, despair, hope, revival and spirituality. Set in 13th Century China, when the Mongols invaded and overthrew the Sung empire, it tells the story of a 12 year old boy and the hardships he faces after the death of his father and his conquest to restore wealth to his family by joining a circus as a kite rider; soaring high above on a kite to bring back messages from the dead.
What makes this book a wonderful read is that not only is it a story of redemption but has elements of ancient Chinese beliefs such as the world of spirits in the sky. The entire tale is a journey for each character as well as the reader, in which they and us both change, and to some degree, undergo enlightenment.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

The Mediator-Reunion

One day at the beach, Suze sees the RLS Angels that died from going off a cliff. The RLS Angels are out for revenge. Michael planned their death because his little sister got in a coma at their party. Suze has to keep them from killing Michael and keep Michael from killing all the guests who were at their party.

I liked this book a lot. It is very interesting because the suspense keeps building up through out the entire story. You keep wondering what will happen next.

Princess in Training

Lilly, Mia's best friend nominates her for student body president. Mia thinks that is extremely bad until she gets a B on her english paper, doesn't understand sophomore geometry and her boyfriend is moving uptown for college. Worst of all, Lana whispers something to Mia in the lunch line that makes Mia really nervous. Mia has to find a way to get through all of this before she goes crazy.

This is one of my favorite books. It teaches you that you can do anything and things are not really as bad as you think. Once you start reading this series, you will not be able to put it down.