Divergent By Veronica Roth

Reading Hammock’s Rating:	4 ½
Category:	Fiction
Fiction Genre:	Science Fiction
Title:	Divergent
Author:	Veronica Roth
Author Website:	http://veronicarothbooks.blogspot.com/
ISBN-10:	0062024027
ISBN-13:	9780062024022
Publication Date:	May 2011
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Format:	Paperback | Hardcover | Digital | Audio
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Synopsis:

In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.

My review:

I have been reading this novel on and off for a couple of weeks but I barely finished a small portion of it.  Whenever I picked it up, it didn’t spark my interest to keep me reading.  Yesterday, I picked it up again and I finally got into the story.  The story beings very slowly.  The author allows the reader to look into Beatrice’s dystopian world, filled with five factions—Abnegation, Candor, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite.  Beatrice has lived with her family for 16 years in the Abnegation faction-- the faction of selflessness.  However, at the age of 16, she considers her options at the Choosing Ceremony, and betrays her family by picking a different faction than she was born into.  Beatrice chooses the Dauntless faction, the faction of bravery and fights for one of the ten spots available in this faction. If she fails, she may become an outcast, and a person that does not belong to any of the five factions. 

After patiently chipping away at the beginning for weeks, I finally grasped enough of the story that made this book “unputdownable.”  Roth uses vivid descriptions to help the reader understand Beatrice’s world.  Although the beginning is slow, it sets up the story for the rest of the novel and is vital to understand the roles of each character and faction. Once you pass beyond the initial breaking of the ice, “Divergent” is a heart-racing story that builds deep tensions to keep the reader wondering what will happen next.  However, be warned, you may be unsatisfied with the ending since you’ll have to wait until its sequel comes out next May to see how Roth continues the story. 

The Outsiders By S.E. Hinton

Reading Hammock’s Rating:	5
Category:	Fiction
Title:	The Outsiders
Author:	S.E. Hinton
Author Website:	http://www.sehinton.com/
ISBN-10:	014038572X
ISBN-13:	978-0140385724
Publication Date:	1967
Publisher:	Puffin Books
Format:	Hardcover | Paperback | Audio
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Author Synopsis:

        According to Ponyboy, there are two kinds of people in the world: greasers and socs. A soc (short for "social") has money, can get away with just about anything, and has an attitude longer than a limousine. A greaser, on the other hand, always lives on the outside and needs to watch his back. Ponyboy is a greaser, and he's always been proud of it, even willing to rumble against a gang of socs for the sake of his fellow greasers--until one terrible night when his friend Johnny kills a soc. The murder gets under Ponyboy's skin, causing his world to crumble and teaching him that pain feels the same whether a soc or a greaser.

My review:

The story is told from the perspective of Ponyboy and I was able to connect with him at the beginning of the plot.  He is a member of a “Greaser” gang, which consists of the poorer people in society.  I easily became attached to Ponyboy because of Hinton’s focus on his emotions.  One could recognize that Ponyboy has a deep love for his gang of “Greasers.”  The gang’s support and love for each other helps Ponyboy and his brothers, Darrel and Sodapop, overcome the death of their parents.  nHinEven though I immediately became attached to Ponyboy, one could also feel the emotions of the other characters, even those who were less important to the story.  This is vital to capturing the reader’s attention since many novels leave out the emotions of secondary characters, especially if the story is told from the perspective of just one character.  I have also noticed that some authors tell the story from the perspective of two characters in order to convey their thoughts.  What I found most remarkable in Hinton’s writing is her ability to write this novel from the perspective of just one character, while also providing insight into how other characters are feeling. 

Hinton uses rich descriptions for introducing new characters which helped me feel closer to understanding Ponyboy’s world. Hinton vividly describes characters’ eyes as a technique to describe their personality.  For example she describes Dally’s cold personality by telling the reader about his icy blue eyes.  Through Hinton’s fresh writing style, colorful descriptions and attention to miniscule details, I became engrossed in the characters’ struggles.

This was daring story about a young boy in the midst of life threatening fights, struggles to find his place in life.  I would recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a change of pace from their usual genre.  Even though I am a science fiction fan this was an exciting read and I would even consider reading it again.

Jumper by Steven Gould

Reading Hammock’s Rating:	3 1/2
Category:	Fiction
Fiction Genre:	Science
Title:	Jumper
Author:	Steven Gould
Author Website:	http://eatourbrains.com/steve/
ISBN-10:	031285272X
ISBN-13:	978-0312852726
Publication Date:	August, 1992
Publisher:	Tor Books
Format:	Hardcover | Digital | Paperback | Audio
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Author Synopsis:

Davy Rice has a unique genetic trait: he can teleport. To survive, Davy must learn to use and control his power. 

My review:

After watching the movie “Jumper”, based on Steven Gould’s novel, I decided to read it so that I could explore which medium better conveys the unusual plotline.  “Jumper” is a story about a seventeen year old boy named David Rice, who discovers he can “jump” away from his drunken, abusive father to seek sanctuary at the local library.  Since David can move from one place to another, to wherever he desires, he runs away from home to explore the world.  I was quickly drawn into the novel because the overall concept of being able to teleport oneself is intriguing and I was also curious to see what David would do with his power. 

David uses his teleporting ability to target “jump” sites throughout the world.  In the process, he learns that his long lost mother died in a terrorist attack.  David is determined to avenge her assassin.  He is targeted by The National Security Agency because of his unusual “jumping” activities.  They are intent on capturing him to examine his unique capability.  When David’s beloved girlfriend, Millie, is captured by the National Security Agency, he struggles to choose between revenging his mother’s killer and saving his girlfriend. 

In the novel, the author focuses on David’s internal struggles whereas in the movie, many new characters are introduced in order to create an action packed plot.  Although I somewhat enjoyed this novel, it did not reach my expectations after watching the movie.  At times, Gould’s entangled plotline confuses the reader while the movie better resembles a fast paced science fiction story. 

Gould cleverly builds his story around the concept of teleporting, or as he explains it, “jumping” from country to country and city to city, in just seconds.  Although David has a power only attainable in dreams, Gould’s casual and personal tone allows the reader to feel as though they are David, and can “jump” anywhere in the world.  Throughout the story Gould expresses David’s exhilarated feelings mixed with the turmoil of his shattered family life. 

I think that in order to enjoy this book, one has to love the genre of science fiction.   Overall, Gould had a captivating idea but did not execute it as well as he could have. 

Bunheads by Sophie Flack

Reading Hammock’s Rating:	5
Category:	Fiction
Fiction Genre:	Realistic Fiction
Title:	Bunheads
Author:	Sophie Flack
Author Website:	Sophieflack.com
ISBN-10:	0316126535
ISBN-13:	978-0316126533
Publication Date:	October 2011
Publisher:	Little Brown Bks Young Readers
Format:	Hardcover | Digital
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Author Synopsis:

On-stage beauty. Backstage drama. 

As a dancer with the ultra-prestigious Manhattan Ballet Company, nineteen-year-old Hannah Ward juggles intense rehearsals, dazzling performances and complicated backstage relationships. Up until now, Hannah has happily devoted her entire life to ballet. 

But when she meets a handsome musician named Jacob, Hannah's universe begins to change, and she must decide if she wants to compete against the other "bunheads" in the company for a star soloist spot or strike out on her own in the real world. Does she dare give up the gilded confines of the ballet for the freedoms of everyday life?

My review:

I recently picked up an advanced copy of this book at the Book Expo of America (BEA).  It hasn’t been published yet, however, it will be coming out soon in October. 

“Bunheads” is a daring story about a young woman trying to figure out her life--- choosing between her fantasy life of ballet and the more harsh reality of college filled with responsibilities.  Since the author, Sophie Flack, used to be a professional ballet dancer, this book is based on many of her personal experiences.  Flack’s story took me into the reality of a dancer and what really happens backstage. 

Flack described the passion of the main character, Hannah, as she pours her heart and soul onto the stage.  She also gave the story veracity by elegantly tucking in a couple of dancing terms, such as ‘a piqué from a bourrée.’  Flack also showed Hannah’s conflicts about her job.  Even though she loves her career, she is trapped within the world of dancing.  Throughout the story, Hannah is presented with the ultimate choice between the constrictions of the dancing world and the opportunities an education will give her. 

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Reading Hammock’s Rating:	3 ½
Category:	Fiction
Fiction Genre:	Paranormal Romance
Title:	Firelight
Author:	Sophie Jordan
Author Website:	Sophiejordan.net
ISBN-10:	0061935085
ISBN-13:	978-0061935084
Publication Date:	September, 2010
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Format:	Paperback | Hardcover | Digital | Audio
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Synopsis:

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched.  But she longs for freedom to make her own choices.  When she breaks the most sacred tenet of her kind, she nearly pays with her life, only to be spared by a beautiful stranger sent to hunt those like her.  For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose ability to shift into human form is her best defense. 

Forced to flee into the mortal world, Jacinda struggles to adapt.  The one bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner drake to life.  Although she is irrestibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will’s dark secret:  He and his family are hunters.  She should avoid him at all costs.  But her inner drake is slowly slipping away – it if dies she will be left a human forever.  She’ll do anything to prevent that.  Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy. 

Mythical powers and irresistible passion ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide…

My review:

I didn’t enjoy this novel very much because I am not a fan of “Twilight” or paranormal romance.  However, having said this, I do believe “Firelight” is a great read for Twilight lovers or others who are drawn toward the genre of paranormal romance. 

I liked how Jordan uses descriptive words to enhance the story and helps the reader feel as though they are experiencing the story through the eyes of the main character, Jacinda, and not just observing her from afar.  Even though Jacinda has wings, the reader feels connected to her because of the many human struggles she goes through in making the right decision for herself, and family. 

One aspect of the story that didn’t meet my standards was the ending.  The story was winding on and came to a sudden stop, without a significant falling action.  The ending surprised me when it came along and I could tell that Jordan created it in such a way that she could write a sequel. 

After doing some research, it turns out that there is a sequel to this novel, “Vanish.”  It will be available on September 6^th, so for all those paranormal romance fans out there, start reading “Firelight” now so that you are caught up in time for “Vanish.”   

The House of the Scorpion By Nancy Farmer

	Reading Hammock’s Rating:	5 out of 5
	Category:	Fiction
	Fiction Genre:	SciFi
	Title:	The House of the Scorpion
	Author:	Nancy Farmer
	Author Website:	http://www.nancyfarmerwebsite.com/
	ISBN-10:	0689852223
	ISBN-13:	978-0689852220
	Publication Date:	September, 2002
	Publisher:	Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books
	Format:	Hardcover | Paperback | Digital | Audio
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Author Synopsis:

Matteo Alacran was not born; he was harvested

His DNA came from El Patrón, lord of a country called Opium — a strip of poppy fields lying between the United States and what was once called Mexico. Matt's first cell split and divided inside a petri dish. Then he was placed in the womb of a cow, where he continued the miraculous journey from embryo to fetus to baby. He is a boy now, but most consider him a monster — except for El Patrón. El Patrón loves Matt as he loves himself, because Matt is himself.

As Matt struggles to understand his existence, he is threatened by a sinister cast of characters, including El Patrón's power-hungry family, and he is surrounded by a dangerous army of bodyguards. Escape is the only chance Matt has to survive. But escape from the Alacrán Estate is no guarantee of freedom, because Matt is marked by his difference in ways he doesn't even suspect.

My review:

            I thoroughly enjoyed this story.  While Matt is a clone, he still embodies human qualities.  I was drawn in by Farmer’s technique of exploring Matt’s feelings about life as a clone.  Through her description, I could clearly imagine what his childhood must have been like. The thrilling suspense of whether Matt will sacrifice himself to save El Patrón’s life or choose to free the plantation residents from El Patron’s control, kept me reading late into the night.  Farmer created a fast paced science fiction story that contains unexpected twists in the plot. 

         Although I love this novel by Nancy Farmer, I haven’t found her other novels up to par with this one.  She doesn’t have the same suspense running throughout her other stories.  If you loved “The House of the Scorpion” you shouldn’t have the same expectations for other Nancy Farmer books.