Saturday, June 15, 2013

Anthem by Ayn Rand













My Ratings:
Vocabulary:  *****
Ingredients: *****
Satisfaction: *****
Lexile Level: 880L
Genre: Science Fiction
My Opinions: Although the beginning starts out really slow, Rand is able to pick up the pace once the setting and characters are introduced to the reader. It is short and quick, yet Rand is able to fit so much rich writing into this novel which really absorbed my attention. It is a unique Utopian world where there is no individuality or the word "I" and there must be perfect harmony between every brother and sister of the society. Not only is it all sorts of shades of gray, but in this futuristic setting characters use only primitive technology dating back to caveman times. One man named Equality is different, physically and emotionally. He has ideas which are forbidden. He has a mind which is unusual. This book showcases his struggles and his rewards.

Copyright (C) Bookaroma 2013

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Soldier's Heart by Gary Paulsen













My Ratings:
Vocabulary:  *****
Ingredients: *****
Satisfaction: *****
Lexile Level: 1000L
Genre: Historical Fiction
My Opinions: I personally don't like historical fiction, but this book really hits the heart. It is a real life story about a boy named Charley. He is about fifteen and not old enough to go into the army, even though he has a very strong desire to do so. He lies about his age and immediately joins the army. He goes through a phase of boredom at the camp because his jobs consist of chores inside the camp instead of actually participating in a battle. Finally, the call comes and he taken through a luxurious trip to the battlefield. His first experience leaves him stunned. Yet he keeps going on especially with one man's inspirational words. This story definitely pulled at my heartstrings.

Copyright (C) Bookaroma 2013