Archive for April 19th, 2009
Christine Chung Pd. 10
BOOK RECOMMENDATION #1
Name: Soojin Lee
Grade: 12th
Title: Heartbreaking work of Staggering Genius
Author: Dave Eggers
Give me a quick summary without giving away too much.
It’s about two brothers told in the perspective of the old brother, Dave Eggers. They’ve both left to survive on their own after the deaths of their parents.
What is something you liked about the book?
I liked the honesty and the bluntness of the book. It’s filled with funny anecdotes and the tone makes it very relatable. There are drawings, songs, and quirky things randomly placed within the book that keeps it interesting to read.
What is something that you did not like?
I did not like that Eggers went on so many tangents. Basically, I thought the middle hundred pages or so was totally unnecessary and didn’t add anything to the plot of the book.
How did you hear about the book?
I read it during my junior year in class.
Why did you read this book (for class or for leisure)?
For class.
Why are you recommending this book for incoming Stuyvesant students?
It’s one of the books I didn’t expect to read in Stuy. It’s very quirky.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION #2
Name: Janet Kim
Grade: 12th
Title: Freakonomics
Author: Steven Levitt
Give me a quick summary without giving away too much.
This book is a wacky use of Microeconomics with random topics like gang hierarchies, teachers cheating, real estate rip-offs, etc. Levitt uses a brilliant way of questioning conventional knowledge and proving it all wrong
What is something you liked about the book?
I liked it because it used concepts that I learned in my Economics class in a really fascinating way, but it still dwindles down to the simple concepts that people maximize their own satisfaction and are greedy.
What is something that you did not like?
I didn’t like that it jumped a few assumptions. It is not like every analysis or experiment can be perfect or fully trusted.
How did you hear about the book?
A friend recommended it.
Why did you read this book (for class or for leisure)?
For leisure.
Why are you recommending this book for incoming Stuyvesant students?
It’s really interesting and funny and smart, but totally readable for leisure. And it can help for class.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION #3
Name: Kristi Moy
Grade: 11th
Title: This Lullaby
Author: Sarah Dessen
Give me a quick summary without giving away too much.
So This Lullaby is about a girl named Remy who is very cynical about love (she has a recipe for breaking up with boys, etc.) But then she meets a guy named Dexter who is in a band. And throughout her relationship with Dexter, she learns about how her view on love is flawed.
What is something you liked about the book?
I love the way Sarah Dessen writes and I feel in love with Dexter.
What is something that you did not like?
That the book ended. Haha. I hate when good books end. Basically, there wasn’t anything I didn’t like.
How did you hear about the book?
The spine caught my attention on a library shelf. Then when I took it off the shelf I really liked the cover art and the blurb hooked me.
Why did you read this book (for class or for leisure)?
For leisure.
Why are you recommending this book for incoming Stuyvesant students?
It will definitely take the minds (of girls most likely) off the stress of Stuy.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION #4
Name: Tincey Wang
Grade: 12th
Title: Anthem
Author: Ayn Rand
Give me a quick summary without giving away too much.
It is set in the future. Technology no longer exists, and people are grouped by their appearances and jobs. The word “I” no longer exists. But then this one group rediscovers individuality.
What is something you liked about the book?
This book is really, really short, so it comes with the original manuscript where Rand made all her corrections and other edits. I liked that you could sort of see her process and how it all came together.
How did you hear about the book?
Random perusal of library shelves. It was the summer, and I was bored. I’ve heard of Ayn Rand before, but all of her other books are monstrously long and pretty intimidating. So I started with this to see if I would like her.
Why did you read this book (for class or for leisure)?
For leisure.
Why are you recommending this book for incoming Stuyvesant students?
It’s really different from the books you would read in class. I just thought the concept was really cool, and I think Stuy kids will enjoy it since it’s based in the future and kind of unusual.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION #5
Name: Charles Kuang
Grade: 12th
Title: Ender’s Game
Author: Orson Scott Card
Give me a quick summary without giving away too much.
Alien Buggers are threatening mankind and the only hope for survival lies in the hands of Earth’s smartest children
What is something you liked about the book?
I liked that it was futuristic. I like to read books that have seemingly impossible plots.
What is something that you did not like?
I didn’t like one of the characters. He was kind of mean and really rude to his brother for no reason.
How did you hear about the book?
One of my friends was reading it and recommended it to me.
Why did you read this book (for class or for leisure)?
For leisure
Why are you recommending this book for incoming Stuyvesant students?
It is one of the best science fiction books ever written, and most kids in Stuyvesant like science, so I think they’ll find it interesting.
Compiled by Jay Dalal
It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
1. Describe this book.
It’s fiction, but based on the author’s life. Craig is this really smart boy who gets into a top high school in NYC and starts having all these inferiority problems. He gets hooked on drugs, he can’t get a girl, he falls behind in school, and the book is about his battle against depression, eating disorders, and suicidal feelings.
2. Memorable quote:
“Those ads are always for herpes.”
“How do you even tell someone you have that?”
“Your moms didn’t mind last night.”
“Ohhhh!”
“Son!”
3. Who would enjoy this book?
Stuy kids, teenagers, guys
4. If you like(d) ______, you would like this book.
Catcher in the Rye, Rule of the Bone, bad TV shows that attempt to depict teenagers’ lives accurately, *cough* Degrassi
5. Why do you like this book?
It is very easy to relate to. The author went to Stuyvesant after all. It’s current, funny, intense, and emotional.
– Jay Dalal, ’09
The Devil’s Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce
1. Describe this book.
It’s a fantastically cynical compilation of redefined words, in dictionary format. It was written between the 1870s and early 19th century. It was compiled in 1911.
2. Memorable quote:
fraud: n. The life of commerce, the soul of religion, the bait of courtship, and the basis of political power.
3. Who would enjoy this book?
People who aren’t going to get depressed over cynicism. Bitter people… No, not necessarily bitter people… Sarcastic people. Upbeat people won’t appreciate this.
4. If you like(d) ________, you would like this book.
Jon Stewart, Steven Colbert, The Onion
5. Why do you like this book?
Because a lot of these definitions still apply today. It’s sad. And it’s satirical.
– Amany Mahfouz, ‘09
White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
1. Describe this book.
It’s a fiction book, about a guy from the slums who becomes a chauffeur. The book revolves around his experiences.
2. Memorable quote:
But sometimes, what is most animal in a man may be the best thing in him.
3. Who would enjoy this book?
Curious people who would enjoy gaining insight on class struggle and society. Anyone interested in life in India.
4. If you like(d) ________, you would like this book.
Slumdog Millionaire
5. Why did you like this book?
It’s well-written and insightful
– Christina Singh, ‘09
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
1. Describe this book.
It’s about the psychology and adventures of a man who leaves home to throttle around America and ends up in the wilderness alone.
2. Who would enjoy this book?
People who enjoy simple reading and stories about survival. Teenagers or older.
3. If you like(d) ________, you would like this book.
Into the Wild, the movie. Catcher in the Rye, Hatchet
4. Why did you like this book?
There are a lot of interesting philosophical elements. I also liked that it was full of adventure and action, even though it was a light read.
– Stephanie London, ‘09
The Pact by Jody Picoult
1. Describe this book.
It’s realistic fiction… no, not really. It’s fiction. It’s a story about a couple and they have a secret suicide pact. The guy kills himself but the girl doesn’t.
2. Memorable quote:
The words of the pact were really interesting, but I can’t remember them.
3. Who would enjoy this book?
I think this book would appeal to everyone. Maybe not people with cold hearts?
4. Why did you like this book?
I’m into thrillers and this book was full of action and drama. There was never a boring scene.
– Monika Rozkowska, ‘09
Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
1. Describe this book.
It’s a thriller/adventure novel. Robert Langdon, a Harvard symbologist, attempts to prevent stolen antimatter from exploding Vatican City. Along the way, he reveals and uncovers secrets about the battle between religion and science. It’s the prequel to The Da Vinci Code.
2. Memorable quote:
God, give me the power to accept the things I cannot change.
3. Who would enjoy this book?
Adventurous people, atheists, agnostics, religious people who don’t get offended easily.
4. If you like(d) ________, you would like this book.
The Da Vinci Code, science, criticism of religion
5. Why did you like this book?
It was like a thriller movie. The ticking bomb made it really exciting.
– Faria Nowshin, ‘09
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
1. Describe this book.
It’s a sci-fi book. A genius boy gets sent to a military training facility, and he plays video games as training for leading a war against aliens.
2. If you like(d) ________, you would like this book.
Men in Black, Signs
3. Why did you like this book?
I liked the main character. He was a kick-ass child.
– Lerie Palmaira, ‘09
In all of its unedited, uncut glory. Lack of grammar, urban vernacular, and all.
QUESTIONS:
1. What book?
2. Who would you recommend it to? (Maybe what genre. What kind of people would like this genre?)
3. If this book were an ice cream flavor, what flavor would it be and why?
4. If you could be a character from this book, what character would you be and why?
5. How many times did you reread this book? If you only read it once and you really liked it, why didn’t you read it again?
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1. death by black hole by uh whats the dude’s name okay yeah my mom borrowed the book so i don’t have it. anyway it’s the curator of the hayden planetarium.
2. people who like science. no, actually. people who want to LEARN SHIT.
3. books are not ice cream. no. this is a stupid analogy. i don’t even LIKE ice cream that much. i know like. four flavors. i’m picking uh. chocolate. cause it’s a decent flavor.
4. there are no characters. this book is about LEARNING. not ‘omg look at me i’m so deeeeeeep cause i think one thing but do anoootheeeeer’ character shit. also i pick rarified helium. cause i mean. it tripped up mad scientists into thinking it was another element. but it was just helium being weird out there in deep space.
5. read it once. i SHOULD read it again, cause some of the science was confusing, but i got distracted by other books.
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1. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
2. It’s a detective novel, so I’d say detective fiction fans, but it’s so beautifully written that I think anyone would enjoy it.
3. Coffee ice cream. It’s got a bold, powerful flavor, but it’s still smooth and easy to digest.
4. I wouldn’t want to be any of the main characters in this book, because everyone important is either murdered, or executed by the sate. But I’d probably want to be the squirrel that befriends Perry and visits him in his cell.
5. I read it once. I only read it a year ago, and I’m still not ready to reread it.
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1. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
2. Apparently this book is considered science fiction, but it emphasizes more on the psychological transformation of the protagonist more than the typical sci-fi read.
3. Mint chocolate chip. Because. um. it’s a refreshing new perspective with moments of sweetness.
4. oh snap. I can barely even remember the characters in the book. uhhh. I’d want to be Algernon, the cute genius mouse. Because he was the only true homie that Charlie (the main dude) could relate to. ’cause they were experimental geniuses.
5. I didn’t read it again because I don’t own the book. I read it for an eighth grade reading class. Also, I don’t reread books.
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1. Welcome to the Monkey House by Kurt Vonnegut
2. It contains a series of short stories, most of which are science fiction, a few historical fiction. It is great for people with short attention spans like me. Each story provides a taste of something different, exploring some familiar science fiction concepts and some unfamiliar.
3. It would be rocky road because of the bits and pieces of variety that still manage to blend together into something enjoyable. There is also a dark undertone… um chocolate? With light-hearted moments scattered within it (the marshmallow bits).
4. I can’t remember one specific character…. I do remember the Hostesses who ran suicide booths. I wouldn’t want to be them. Nor would I want to be anyone in that story because they are all forced to take birth control pills.
5. I avoid rereading books, especially short stories. I usually don’t remember them either, but some of these short stories have stuck with me. Which means Vonnegut must have beasted them.
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1. The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
If books with no words were acceptable, I’d have given you a different answer.
2. Amazon says it’s juvenile fiction / sci-fi. It involves drug lords, illegal immigration, and clones. What’s there to dislike?
3. It would be cancer ice cream. Because the milk would come from genetically engineered cows, the flavors would come from genetically engineered plants, and the entire thing would be spiked with opium. And if you stopped consuming the stuff for a moment to think, you’d probably realize there are ethical questions to be considered.
4. Matt. Because if I were a clone created to have my organs harvested and transplanted into a drug lord, I’d like to be a smart clone.
5. I reread it all the way through once. I reread parts of it multiple times.
Sorry for being a little late, i handed in the real copy, but forgot to post this up. My friend reminded me today so i decided to post it up.
Shanwenyi (David) He
Ms. Chan
4/7/2009
Period 2
Book Interview
The Scarlet Letter
Q: What grasped your attention to read this book?
A: The title of the book, as well as what other people said about this book. My friends said this book is very interesting, even though they had to read it for English class.
Q: Did the book start off interesting?
A: Well, the setting was really dark. I guess you can say it’s interesting.
Q: Can you relate to the main character?
A: Not really, the main character is a woman. She had an affair with another man while her husband was away. There’s no way I would do such a thing. Hence, I cannot relate to her.
Q: Why would you recommend this book to others?
A: Trust me, you will read it some time later in your life. It’s just that famous. Plus, the plot isn’t so bad, and I had fun read it. Hope you can enjoy too!
Q: For whom is the book written? Fellow scholars? Non-academics? Is the book appropriate to its audience?
A: This book is for adults and teenagers alike, scholarly or not. This book should be a timeless classic.
The Andromeda Strain
Q: What grasped your attention to read this book?
A: The cover of this book makes me think of bacteria and virus. I’ve always been a medical person, so of course these microscopic organisms fascinate me.
Q: How appropriate is the book’s title? Does it promise essentially what the book delivers?
A: Yes, very. This book covers a story about strain of virus carried back to earth by a space probe. This virus then spreads across the globe, infecting many people in various countries. The descriptions really give me the shivers.
Q: Is the writing style readable? Can you understand what the author’s trying to say?
A: Definitely, this book is in colloquial terms. It’s very easy to understand what the author’s trying to say.
Q: Which genre does this book fit in?
A: Sci-Fi, for sure. This relates to reality, and yet, we have not discovered a strain of virus that can cause death in a period of time as a short as three seconds! Even though this book probes the undiscovered, it is written realistically.
Q: Did you like the ending?
A: Yeah. I mean, it was a happy ending; the virus transformed, and became harmless to human beings. At that meantime, scientists can search for a cure for this deadly virus. None of the protagonists died. Yay!
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Q: Whoa, I remember this book. Let me guess, this is for your previous English class right?
A: Haha, good guess, but I actually read this book on my own.
Q: Really? Why did you choose this book?
A: Oh, because I know it’s a very famous book, and lots of people have read it. I’m pretty sure I’ll read this book again in college, so why not read it now.
Q: How appropriate is the book’s title? Is it fitting?
A: Yeah. Funny thing is, the whole story starts with this painting, and the story also ends with this painting. This painting is the source of evil! That should answer your question.
Q: How is this book structured?
A: Oh, just like any other novel. There is a plot, and the author follows through, and develops each major character. As a result, every major character is a rounded character, not flat.
Q: Why was the book written?
A: Hmm, I actually have no idea. Perhaps for fun? Publicity? This IS a great book, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Wilde received critical acclaim for this book!
Halo: The Flood
Q: Are you a Halo fan?
A: YES. I own all the Halo books, and ALL of the Halo games, Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, and Halo Wars. Mad fun!
Q: Well, do you think this book is a good adaptation of Halo: CE?
A: First of all, CE has two meanings: Custom Edition, and Combat Evolved. Be careful there. Second, yeah, actually, this book goes beyond the details from the game. It develops the characters a lot more. Each movement, each battle scene, each conversation is so descriptive. It’s like playing the game in your mind in slow-mo, and you can examine each detail.
Q: I see, are there any discrepancies?
A: Yeah, a little bit. But not enough to totally separate this book from its adapted game.
Q: Does the title fit the story?
A: Of course. It’s about how Master Chief Spartan John-117 and the UNSC forces discover the flood, a parasitic race, on Halo. (Master Chief’s mad cool yo!)
Q: What is your personal response to this book?
A: I love it! By all means, GET IT! It’s really good. Or maybe I’m just a Halo fan. The story is amazing, no wonder the Halo series received such critical acclaims.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Q: I read this book in 8th grade! When did you read this? And where?
A: You are stupid (lols). I was in your class! We had to read this for the summer homework assignments. I didn’t really like it, since I’m not a symbolism person.
Q: Oh? From what I’ve heard, many people really like this book. Why don’t you like it?
A: Like I said before, I’m not too good at identifying symbolism. Also, what the white people did to the black people was so wrong! I couldn’t stand reading this book!
Q: I see, I’m sorry to hear that. Anyways, does the book have illustrations? Index? Bibliography?
A: No it does not have illustrations. It does have an index, and a bibliography.
Q: Is the title fitting for the story?
A: Yeah, very. Even though I wasn’t too good at identifying symbolism, I did find out afterwards that mockingbirds are innocent birds who only know how to sing for people. To kill the innocent is very bad, and this point is developed in the story.
Q: So, for whom is this book written?
A: This book is for everyone: teenagers, adults, etc. It’s about the issue of racism, which still exists today. After I read it, I found out how much the Blacks have suffered, and how inequality plagued our country.
Nadia
The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
Q: What type of book is this?
A: It is a science fiction book about clones.
Q: What grasped your attention to read this book?
A: Nothing. I had to read a book for my English class reading log. I found this book lying around and decided to use it.
Q: Did the book start off interesting?
A: It was boring in the beginning, but it got interesting after a couple of chapters.
Q: Can you relate to the main character?
A: I can understand his struggle with others because he is seen different, as he is a clone. Usually the clones’ brains were removed, but the main character still had it.
Q: Why would you recommend this book to others?
A: It had an interesting plot, since you wanted to know how his life would be affected.
Sajjad
Fallen angels by Walter dean Myers
Q: What type of novel is this?
A: This is fiction story about Richard Perry’s experience in the Vietnam War.
Q: Did you feel any sympathy towards Perry?
A: Yes, he left his mom and little brother in America when he joined the army. Perry’s family was poor, so he joined it to attend college.
Q: Was Perry’s experience intense?
A: Yes, it was definitely intense. He had to go through many horrors of war and suspenseful nights. He wondered if killing Asian teenagers was right, even if for a better cause.
Q: Was Perry a unique character?
A: I say he was a typical soldier with a typical sad background. A person who joined the army, so they can receive a free education. Like others, he was not ready to experience the terrors of war.
Q: Would you recommend this book?
A: Yes, it was a great war novel.
Alan
Rule of the bone by Russell Banks
Q: What type of book is this?
A: It is a fiction book about a rebellious teenager.
Q: How did main character rebel?
A: Well, Chappie dropped out of school and befriended a friendly Rastafarian immigrant. His journey leads him to doing drugs, stealing, breaking into a house, and etc.
Q: Could you relate with Chappie?
A: No, Chappie has a depressing life. His step father was cruel and abused him. He never had the proper role model in his life to guide him. The best possible role model for him in the story was his lazy, drug-addicted best friend.
Q: Why is the book called Rule of the Bone?
A: Chappie’s nickname became Bone when he got a tattoo of it. The title portrays the journey of the Bone.
Q: Would you recommend this book?
A: Yes, the book was a great read about a rebellious teenager. Bone’s journey was full of surprises and disappointment. This book will be enjoyed by any teen.
Jack
Artemis Fowl series
Q: What type of series is this?
A: It is a fantasy series about Artemis, a boy genius, discovering and exploiting fairies.
Q: How did he discover the fairies?
A: He traveled around the world and retrieved ancient books, which hinted at fairy’s home world.
Q: What type of journey did Artemis face?
A: It was a dangerous journey. He wouldn’t have survived, if it weren’t for his butler, who was excellent body guard.
Q: Does Artemis change throughout the series?
A: Yes he changed throughout the series. He was very coldhearted in the first book. But it relatively changed after his experience with the fairies.
Q: Would you recommend this book?
A: Yes this book had a lot of action and suspenseful moments.
Hoops Walter dean Myers
Q: What type of book is this?
A: A fictional book about Lonnie’s only asset in life, basketball.
Q: How was Lonnie’s life?
A: His life was basically all about basketball. He wants to stay away from the violent life in his neighborhood and succeed in basketball.
Q: How were his skills in basketball?
A: He had a lot of potential. He joined the high school basketball team easily. He trains with a former pro, in hopes of receiving a scholarship.
Q: What was the pace of the book?
A: It was fast paced and very intense. But it was also realistic, so Lonnie didn’t have miracle shots that won him games. HE won trough his hard work.
Q: Would you recommend this book?
A: Yes it was excellent and realistic book about a student’s struggle with basketball. Basketball fans should easily enjoy it.
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