Reading Recs
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
Book recommendations by Stuyvesant students for Stuyvesant students and readers around the world. Also known as Stuy Bookshelf/Book Box. Submissions are open—click on register below!