Easter Break Reads

I was blessed with some extra time off this Easter. I used a lot of the time to wade through the oceans of work I still have to complete this semester, but I also managed to get some solid reading time in.

Esio Trot by Roald Dahl

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


If I think too hard about the themes of this book, I come up with almost nothing positive to say. It promotes lying to get what you want, it portrays the woman as idiotic and the man as conniving and clever, etc. I do not believe Mr. Dahl was trying to use this book to educate kids in the way of being deceitful spoiled brats, but it's hard to ignore. Still, it's a fast book and a fairly enjoyable read if you have a spare thirty minutes.



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Three Black Swans by Caroline B. Cooney

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I found this a suspenseful and moderately compelling read that nevertheless falls a bit flat. The writing was repetitive but not dull. The multiple perspectives were interesting but I think the reader could have benefited from the parents' perspectives a little earlier in the book. As it is, by the time the parents chime in, it feels a little random and seemingly comes out of nowhere. Recommended for girls who like suspense but not violence.



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The Maze Runner by James Dashner

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I have not read a book this addictive in a long time. It took me a few chapters to get into it, but once I was in, I was hooked and I never wanted to stop reading. I found the characters and setting extremely interesting and I just love the dystopian premise. This book is not without flaws, but I am willing to overlook them to award the full five stars. I am looking forward to reading the sequel immensely.



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Viola in Reel Life by Adriana Trigiani

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Hmmm, books like this just aren't my cup of tea. Viola is an extremely spoiled child and is mostly unlikeable throughout the whole book. The characters' dialogue with one another is so unrealistic as to be ridiculous. Viola insults her new roommates before they even spend their first night together. No one I've ever met would do that, even if they were the Princess of Snark. The major exception to the unbelievable character rule is the RA, Trish, who gives a fun and authentic portrayal of the typical hyper-involved Resident Assistant. The texts and e-mails are a nice touch and a practical literary device. Recommended for teenage girls who enjoy modern realistic fiction.



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