True Legend by Mike LupicaThe book True Legend is about a high school boy named Drew Robinson that is born in New York but moves to California when Mr. Gilbert, his current basketball coach, recruits him to a top-program school. He goes to Oakley Academy, which has one of the best basketball programs in the state, but he faces many challenges on his way to victory. This is the first book I read for my Creative Writing class.
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Below I've created 3 lists of books I've read; each list contains 5 books. I've categorized these lists as Great Books, "Eh" Books, and Bad Books. Each book will have a short summary and explanation as to why I placed them in the list they're in.
Great Books
1. The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins, is a very entertaining read. It is action-packed and ultra intense. My favorite thing about The Hunger Games is the characters. The characterization is subtle, but strong. Suzanne Collins has a way of making you really root for some characters and despise others. All of her characters are all so unique and different from each other, which is part of what makes it such a great book. This deserves to be in the "Great Books" list because of the characters and many other factors.
The Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins, is a very entertaining read. It is action-packed and ultra intense. My favorite thing about The Hunger Games is the characters. The characterization is subtle, but strong. Suzanne Collins has a way of making you really root for some characters and despise others. All of her characters are all so unique and different from each other, which is part of what makes it such a great book. This deserves to be in the "Great Books" list because of the characters and many other factors.
The Hunger Games is located in the country of Panem. Panem is in the midst of a Dystopian society. Every year the entire country and it's twelve districts holds a special and horrific 'game'. Each district offers up two children (tributes) between ages 12 and 18, a boy and a girl, and the 24 tributes battle to the death in an arena created by The Capitol (the government). There can only be one victor. The book is centered around our main character, Katniss Everdeen, a 16 year old girl from District 12 who finds herself put into the 74th Annual Hunger Games.
2. Divergent
Divergent is a book written by Veronica Roth. It's the first in its trilogy and, in my opinion, the best in its trilogy. My favorite thing about this book is the genius plot and setting. The setting of the Dauntless base is really interesting and I think the entire Dystopian society that Veronica Roth created is really inspiring and unique. It's a well-written book with lots of suspense and action; nothing is predictable and I really enjoyed this read.
Divergent is based on a Dystopian society in future Chicago. After a nuclear war a long time ago, people were shut into their cities and not allowed out. In the new Chicago, there are five main 'colonies', or as Veronica Roth labels them, factions. The factions are all completely centered around personality. Dauntless is for the brave, Amity is for the kind, Abnegation is for the selfless, Candor is for the honest, and Erudite is for the intelligent. When you're a child, you grow up in the faction your parents were sorted into until you're 16. Then you take an aptitude test that tells you what faction you're destined to be in. There's a ceremony the next day where you make the choice of the faction you live in. You cannot change your mind after that ceremony or you are basically homeless, or factionless.
Divergent's main character is Beatrice Prior. Beatrice was originally born into Abnegation but feels as if she doesn't fit. Beatrice has a brother, Caleb, and has a feisty personality. She's not the best character but it's balanced out seeing as there's so much action going on around her. You still root for her but she's definitely not a good a character as Katniss Everdeen.
Divergent is a book written by Veronica Roth. It's the first in its trilogy and, in my opinion, the best in its trilogy. My favorite thing about this book is the genius plot and setting. The setting of the Dauntless base is really interesting and I think the entire Dystopian society that Veronica Roth created is really inspiring and unique. It's a well-written book with lots of suspense and action; nothing is predictable and I really enjoyed this read.
Divergent is based on a Dystopian society in future Chicago. After a nuclear war a long time ago, people were shut into their cities and not allowed out. In the new Chicago, there are five main 'colonies', or as Veronica Roth labels them, factions. The factions are all completely centered around personality. Dauntless is for the brave, Amity is for the kind, Abnegation is for the selfless, Candor is for the honest, and Erudite is for the intelligent. When you're a child, you grow up in the faction your parents were sorted into until you're 16. Then you take an aptitude test that tells you what faction you're destined to be in. There's a ceremony the next day where you make the choice of the faction you live in. You cannot change your mind after that ceremony or you are basically homeless, or factionless.
Divergent's main character is Beatrice Prior. Beatrice was originally born into Abnegation but feels as if she doesn't fit. Beatrice has a brother, Caleb, and has a feisty personality. She's not the best character but it's balanced out seeing as there's so much action going on around her. You still root for her but she's definitely not a good a character as Katniss Everdeen.
3. Angela's Ashes
Angela's Ashes is an incredible memoir written by Francis McCourt, or Frank. The reason why this book is so great is because you feel a roller coaster of emotions throughout the entire thing. Frank, his parents, and several brothers live in desperate poverty. The book is about Frank's life during the 1930's, a.k.a The Great Depression. Obviously it was hard enough to make money during The Great Depression but the only real person who could make any money was the man of the family, Frank's father. Unfortunately for Frank, his mother, and his several siblings, Frank's father has a major drinking problem. He gets some money and spends all of his wages at a pub every Friday night, leaving his own family with next to nothing. This book has made me ultra-sad at times, but it's also funny, and it also makes me angry at some parts. It is a very amazing read. I chose this book for my book talk in Creative Writing. I have placed it below.
Angela's Ashes is an incredible memoir written by Francis McCourt, or Frank. The reason why this book is so great is because you feel a roller coaster of emotions throughout the entire thing. Frank, his parents, and several brothers live in desperate poverty. The book is about Frank's life during the 1930's, a.k.a The Great Depression. Obviously it was hard enough to make money during The Great Depression but the only real person who could make any money was the man of the family, Frank's father. Unfortunately for Frank, his mother, and his several siblings, Frank's father has a major drinking problem. He gets some money and spends all of his wages at a pub every Friday night, leaving his own family with next to nothing. This book has made me ultra-sad at times, but it's also funny, and it also makes me angry at some parts. It is a very amazing read. I chose this book for my book talk in Creative Writing. I have placed it below.
Angela's Ashes Book Talk | |
File Size: | 263 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
4. Twilight
It is greatly argued on whether Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer, is a drag or a delight. Some people may disagree with me, but I think it's a delight to read. I read all of the series and loved each book. I'd be surprised if you didn't know that the main characters' names are Bella, Edward, and Jacob. The twist -- Edward is a vampire and Jacob is a werewolf. I think it's very ironic that werewolves and vampires both exist in the same town, Forkes, Washington. Twilight is a story about two main things -- their love triangle and basically vampire drama.
A lot of vampire drama.
It is greatly argued on whether Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer, is a drag or a delight. Some people may disagree with me, but I think it's a delight to read. I read all of the series and loved each book. I'd be surprised if you didn't know that the main characters' names are Bella, Edward, and Jacob. The twist -- Edward is a vampire and Jacob is a werewolf. I think it's very ironic that werewolves and vampires both exist in the same town, Forkes, Washington. Twilight is a story about two main things -- their love triangle and basically vampire drama.
A lot of vampire drama.
5. The Hatchet
I read The Hatchet, written by Gary Paulsen, a few years ago for my english class in sixth grade. Nothing was especially amazing in The Hatchet. Nothing was extremely stand-out. The thing that makes The Hatchet so great is that, in my opinion, nothing was bad! It was a very entertaining read and everything was simply right above average. It was a wonderful mixture of literary elements and I enjoyed the book a lot.
I read The Hatchet, written by Gary Paulsen, a few years ago for my english class in sixth grade. Nothing was especially amazing in The Hatchet. Nothing was extremely stand-out. The thing that makes The Hatchet so great is that, in my opinion, nothing was bad! It was a very entertaining read and everything was simply right above average. It was a wonderful mixture of literary elements and I enjoyed the book a lot.
"Eh" Books
1. The Hate List
I read The Hate List, by Jennifer Brown, a few years ago on my own. The Hate List was a bit confusing and the book wasn't very emotional; with it's plot, it should've been one of the emotional books ever. But it wasn't. I think part of the reason why it wasn't very emotional was because I don't think Jennifer Brown did a very good job doing show vs. tell.
I read The Hate List, by Jennifer Brown, a few years ago on my own. The Hate List was a bit confusing and the book wasn't very emotional; with it's plot, it should've been one of the emotional books ever. But it wasn't. I think part of the reason why it wasn't very emotional was because I don't think Jennifer Brown did a very good job doing show vs. tell.
2. I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You
This book, written by Ally Carter, is a mediocre teenage chick cliche. It's mainly about a school for girls who are being trained to become spies and their unique lives. The book is definitely meant for young teen girls. It's not sophisticated or mature at all, but it does have a few pretty well-written action parts that balance out the good and bad aspects of the book.
This book, written by Ally Carter, is a mediocre teenage chick cliche. It's mainly about a school for girls who are being trained to become spies and their unique lives. The book is definitely meant for young teen girls. It's not sophisticated or mature at all, but it does have a few pretty well-written action parts that balance out the good and bad aspects of the book.
3. The Giver
The Giver is written by Lois Lowry. One of my biggest pet peeves is having a book picked out for me by a teacher and being forced to read it. The Giver has an interesting plot line, following a boy in a Dystopian society where they don't have many memories or colors, but I think part of the fun of reading that book was ruined for me when I was forced to read it in seventh grade. It is filled with creativity, it's interesting, and it's not completely action-packed but it has a way of bringing you in so you can't set it down.
The Giver is written by Lois Lowry. One of my biggest pet peeves is having a book picked out for me by a teacher and being forced to read it. The Giver has an interesting plot line, following a boy in a Dystopian society where they don't have many memories or colors, but I think part of the fun of reading that book was ruined for me when I was forced to read it in seventh grade. It is filled with creativity, it's interesting, and it's not completely action-packed but it has a way of bringing you in so you can't set it down.
4. The Fault In Our Stars
The Fault In Our Stars, by John Green, is a smart idea for a cliche love book. Do you see what I said there? It's a smart idea; when I say this, I mean that it has an interesting plot, great characterization, and quite a few suspenseful parts. However, it is a very cliche romance book. There are some lines in there that are original but just so cliche and cheesy it makes me cringe. Maybe I'm not much of a romance. I did enjoy reading the book; I've read it two times. I just really don't enjoy some of the really cheesy parts and sometimes I feel like one of the main characters' personalities, Augustus Waters, is a bit overwhelming.
The Fault In Our Stars, by John Green, is a smart idea for a cliche love book. Do you see what I said there? It's a smart idea; when I say this, I mean that it has an interesting plot, great characterization, and quite a few suspenseful parts. However, it is a very cliche romance book. There are some lines in there that are original but just so cliche and cheesy it makes me cringe. Maybe I'm not much of a romance. I did enjoy reading the book; I've read it two times. I just really don't enjoy some of the really cheesy parts and sometimes I feel like one of the main characters' personalities, Augustus Waters, is a bit overwhelming.
5. Of Mice And Men
This book was supposed to be utterly amazing. Maybe the reason why it wasn't for me was because of the fact that it was picked out for me and I was forced to read it last year in English 2. Of Mice And Men, by John Steinbeck, has some really great characterization. I also am really astounded that Steinbeck was able to come up with such a simple yet genius plot. It's so touching, funny, sad, and happy all at the same time and I really did enjoy this book.
This book was supposed to be utterly amazing. Maybe the reason why it wasn't for me was because of the fact that it was picked out for me and I was forced to read it last year in English 2. Of Mice And Men, by John Steinbeck, has some really great characterization. I also am really astounded that Steinbeck was able to come up with such a simple yet genius plot. It's so touching, funny, sad, and happy all at the same time and I really did enjoy this book.
Bad Books
1. Frankenstein
Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, is an incredibly famous classic piece of literature. The entire plot (creating a 'fake' human that goes insane) is a relatively good idea. However, I did not enjoy reading the book. At all. I had to read it for my English 3 and I think it was one of the most boring reads ever. I found it hard to pay attention in class and hard to focus at home on Victor Frankenstein's life. I think this book had a lot of great potential and it was set up to introduce the actual story of the creature expertly, but I did not enjoy it in the least.
Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, is an incredibly famous classic piece of literature. The entire plot (creating a 'fake' human that goes insane) is a relatively good idea. However, I did not enjoy reading the book. At all. I had to read it for my English 3 and I think it was one of the most boring reads ever. I found it hard to pay attention in class and hard to focus at home on Victor Frankenstein's life. I think this book had a lot of great potential and it was set up to introduce the actual story of the creature expertly, but I did not enjoy it in the least.
2. The Crucible
Written by Arthur Miller, The Crucible is about witch hunts in the 15 and 1600s. I think this is possibly the worst book I've ever read. It was incredibly boring throughout the entire play and I thought there were no good aspects to this book; the diction, syntax, and most literary devices were either missing or below average (in my opinion). I had to read The Crucible last year in English 2.
Written by Arthur Miller, The Crucible is about witch hunts in the 15 and 1600s. I think this is possibly the worst book I've ever read. It was incredibly boring throughout the entire play and I thought there were no good aspects to this book; the diction, syntax, and most literary devices were either missing or below average (in my opinion). I had to read The Crucible last year in English 2.
3. To Kill A Mockingbird
Harper Lee wrote To Kill A Mockingbird. I read the literary classic in eighth grade and didn't particularly enjoy it. I didn't despise it either. The plot was of extreme simplicity and was quite boring for me. No parts of the book were fun for me, not even the court trial. Nothing excited me.
Harper Lee wrote To Kill A Mockingbird. I read the literary classic in eighth grade and didn't particularly enjoy it. I didn't despise it either. The plot was of extreme simplicity and was quite boring for me. No parts of the book were fun for me, not even the court trial. Nothing excited me.
4. Allegiant
Allegiant, by Veronica Roth, is surprisingly in my 'Bad Books' list. It's surprising because the first book of it's trilogy is in my 'Great Books' list. Allegiant is the final book in it's trilogy and is the most disappointing book out of the three. It has a boring, heartless, meaningless ending. I obviously can't spoil it but I got angry for the wrong reasons when I read this book. There are a few upsides to Allegiant; like the rest of the books in the trilogy, it makes great usage of literary devices and flows very well.
Allegiant, by Veronica Roth, is surprisingly in my 'Bad Books' list. It's surprising because the first book of it's trilogy is in my 'Great Books' list. Allegiant is the final book in it's trilogy and is the most disappointing book out of the three. It has a boring, heartless, meaningless ending. I obviously can't spoil it but I got angry for the wrong reasons when I read this book. There are a few upsides to Allegiant; like the rest of the books in the trilogy, it makes great usage of literary devices and flows very well.
5. True Legend
I read True Legend, by Mike Lupica, for my creative writing class. I think the main reason why I didn't like this book was because I don't think I was the targeted audience -- I think the targeted audience was boys ages 11-13. True Legend had rudimentary diction, boring and cliche characters, and a strange ending. It was a little weird at times and I wish Mike Lupica would've made this book more cliche; I know this sounds weird, but when I read True Legend, the plot twists he placed in it didn't feel right. A summary of True Legend is at the top of this page.
I read True Legend, by Mike Lupica, for my creative writing class. I think the main reason why I didn't like this book was because I don't think I was the targeted audience -- I think the targeted audience was boys ages 11-13. True Legend had rudimentary diction, boring and cliche characters, and a strange ending. It was a little weird at times and I wish Mike Lupica would've made this book more cliche; I know this sounds weird, but when I read True Legend, the plot twists he placed in it didn't feel right. A summary of True Legend is at the top of this page.