"The City of Ashes" by Cassandra Clare

The "Mortal Instruments" series has been very popular with our readers. This is the second of six bestselling books in the series. Have a look at the author's website for more excellent information about the Mortal Instruments and read our pupil review here:
"The City Of Ashes" is the second book in the Mortal Instrument series by Cassandra Clare. In this book, Jace has been kicked out of the Institute because he is suspected of being a spy for Valentine. Even though Clary is with Simon, she still can't get over the fact that she and Jace are still in love.
 I enjoyed this book because it was a lot more mysterious than the first book.I would recommend this book if you have seen the film and enjoyed it and I would recommend seeing the film if you enjoyed the book.
By Clary S. 

 

Mrs. Gripton's been reading...

'Purple Hibiscus' - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

5 Stars

The novel sensitively captures the brutal hardships of politcal unrest in Nigeria and the conflict the 15 year old protagonist faces over the love she feels for her abusive father and her desire for independence. Kambili and her brother live a life of routine study and prayer. Her father is a fanatical religious man who abuses his wife and children. As political unrest mounts and her father seems to be involved, Kambili is sent to live with her Aunt's family. It is there that she begins to see a more positive and relaxed side to life, and begins to find herself. Currently one of my favourite writers, worth checking out her TED talk "We Should All Be Feminists". 

'The Shock of the Fall' - Nathan Filer

3 Stars

The novel details the life of Matt, a 19 year old schizophrenic dealing with the childhood memory of his older brother's death. A difficult read, but a real insight into the mental health system, Matt's mind, and his feelings of guilt over this event.

Anna's been reading...

Nancy Drew: The Mystery at Lilac Inn by Carolyn Keene *****
Nancy investigated the case of missing diamonds and a ghost.

Ruby Redford: Look Into My Eyes by Lauren Child *****
Ruby was asked to become an agent for Spectrum and help save the Jade Buddha of Khatan.

Mr.Toman's been reading...

Warlock by Oakley Hall

After one too many shooting by cattle rustlers and outlaws in the Western town of Warlock, the townsfolk hire a gunfighter by the name of Blaisedell to keep them safe from cowboys. Pistol duels, stagecoach robberies, hangings, questions of morality, good, evil and consequence are told through varying points of view in this classic novel. Thoughtful and often violent.

4/5

Peckinpah: An Ultraviolent Romance by D. Harlan Wilson

My first non-cowboy book of the year also happens to be the weirdest. The story – as much as there is one – is about a husband, Felix Soandso, and his wife, who move to a small farming town in America - a town where people have pet pigs that they take for walks and the local strongman earns money by tearing increasingly-large things in half. Felix’s wife is killed by a band of marauders in mirrored sunglasses. The police are unable to do anything so Felix must take the law into his own hands… A very short novel, told in extremely short (like, half a page) chapters, this is a fragmented, exciting, confusing, sometimes brutal, and often funny, novella. A single sitting read.

5/5 (for being totally unique and mind-boggling)​

Mrs. Gripton's been reading...

"The Trick is to Keep Breathing" by Janice Galloway. ****

The novel is written from the perspective of Joy, a young teacher experiencing a mental breakdown after the deaths of her mother and her partner. I found it a very challenging read but the unique structure and narrative style was fascinating as it really helped depict Joy's confused state of mine. I picked this up because it is one of the novels on the Higher Scottish set text list. The sensitive subject matter does make it a novel for a more mature reader.

Chloe's been reading....

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi 

An autobiography of a young woman who grew up in Iran.
It was great.

Star rating*****


Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Dystopian novel about young girls getting kidnapped. They are sold off from about 13 and the book is a bout the main character and her friends trying to run away.
An interesting read.

Star rating****

Where Rainbows End by Cecilia Ahern

This book is about Rosie Dunne, a girl brought up in Dublin, and her best friend, Alex Stewart. The story is told through letters, notes, text messages, emails and instant messages. Rosie and Alex are best friends and have been all their life, until Alex and his family move to Boston. The book guides you through their relationship that is forever changing due to distance. However there is one question that remains throughout the book, were they meant to be more than friends?
The book is filled with bursts of humour, tragedy and romance. With turns in the story all the way through the book, you won’t want to put it down! I would recommend this book for older readers. I think it is an amazing book and is one of my favourites.
By Miss Piggy 

Chloe's been reading....

Captain Marvel: Higher, Further, Faster, More by DeConnick & Lopez

A great story set in space featuring Tony Stark and The Guardians of the Galaxy

Star rating****


Adventure Time - Volume 1 by Ryan North

Fun read featuring the group from the TV show.

Star rating****