Goliath: Imagination Inducing

Another mini, syndicated Amazon.com review of mine. Sorry for the mini-ness. . . . it's because I've been busy tired lazy experimenting with the power and simplicity of shorter writings these days. :)

Oh, how I've missed the series! And how I'll miss it forever more!

Goliath is the ultimate conclusion to the thrilling, witty Leviathan Trilogy. All the characters you love - Alex, Deryn (aka Dylan), Dr. Barlow, Bovril, and Newkirk (Yes, he'll become of favorite character of yours in this book) - along with a few new ones mold together with vivid settings to create a imaginative, crisp universe.

Alex and Deryn, still aboard Leviathan, the sky's greatest Darwinist, DNA-mutant "beastie", struggle with their problems. Alex's problems? His parents are dead, his home taken away from him, he's the heir to Austria's throne, and he's a deeply confused Clanker, one of engine and steam upbringings, that is surrounded by a world of Darwinists. And Deryn's problems? She has a "barking" huge crush on Alex, but he's nobility and she's just a low commoner. Oh! And she's also a girl disguised as a boy, who will be kicked off Leviathan, her newfound home, and possible tried for treason if her secret's revealed. No biggie . . .

Already faced with unimaginable obstacles, Alex and Deryn's troubles reach a new level when the Leviathan makes a pit-stop and picks up a new passenger . . . Mr. Nikola Tesla, a complete mad-man, whose ideas of world peace involve great deaths. And with Mr. Tesla comes deception, truths, and more secrets.

Faced with brutal decisions, Alex and Deryn must each decide their own future. Becoming closer than ever before, Alex and Deryn start a "no secret" relationship. But will that be enough to save their friendship from the life-changing, life-destroying war that has already taken one too many victims?

Accented by Keith Thompson's stunning black-and-white illustrations, Goliath is a perfect tale that depicts an alternative past. Scott Westerfeld flawlessly relates Alex and Deryn's problems to the issues of our age. Goliath, abundant in imagery, adventure, humor, and wonder, is not a story to be missed.

Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

(image via)

Torn: M.P. Haddix Has Done It Again!

A short note from your reviewer:

Greetings, readers of The Bookshelf! I know earlier I posted a list of reviews that would be published throughout this month, but with the start of school, my personal vacation to Ocean City, Maryland, multiple orientations, and . . . oh, yeah, the EARTHQUAKE, I've fallen a wee bit behind.

Below is a short "mini review" of Torn by Margaret Peterson Haddix. This is a syndicated review from my Amazon account. While this review is shorter and more informal than most, I believe it provides much insight, explanation, and opinion of a fourth book in a historical, mystery, sci fi, thriller time traveling series.

Look for a few more posts before the end of August. Thank you!

And by "done it again", I mean "created another great history/mystery time travel tale".

The fourth installment in The Missing series, Torn by Margaret Peterson Haddix, follows Jonah and Katherine as they travel back in time to the year 1611. The missing child that they must return to history in order to correct time? John Hudson, son of the famous (famously crazy, that is) Henry Hudson. The only problem: JB, Jonah and Katherine's time travel...supervisor, you could say, is unable to find the 21st century boy who is actually John Hudson to send him back to the past. A truly missing child!

But, of course, there are more problems than just a missing (missing) historical figure. Jonah must pretend to be John, mask, wigs, clothing, and all, in hopes of setting history straight. However, after an hour or so aboard the Discovery, Henry Hudson's ship, all time is thrown out of balance. Tracers, ghost-like figures that show what is supposed to happen in history, go missing, Jonah and Katherine lose all connections with JB, and an evil Mr. Prickett threatens the safety of the ship's crew, most significantly Jonah.

Taking matters into their own hands, Jonah (still disguised as John Hudson) and Katherine (who is invisible thanks to the time traveling device, the Elucidator) try to make sense of the odd mishaps in time that keep occurring and attempt to save history and rescue their friends who are still stuck in the year 1600.

Captivating and well-paced, Torn provides a set of loveable characters and rich historical settings to create an enjoyable read. Fans of the previous books in the Missing series will not be disappointed.

Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

(image via)

Countdown: A Vision to the Past

The saying goes, a picture can tell a thousand words. But how many words can a picture tell when it’s supplemented with a story? My guess: millions.

Visionary, imaginative, innovative, and never before created, Countdown, by Deborah Wiles, is a photographic experience. A scrapbook, you may say. Told from the point-of-view of a strong young girl, Franny, Countdown explores the deep heat of the 1960s Cold War from an adolescent’s perspective.

An inside photo

Franny, a middle child, lives outside the Andrews Air Force base in Maryland, a location that could be struck by weapons of mass destruction from Cuba. With the ever-present threat of danger, Franny adapts to a strange new environment, but not without any obstacles. She must continue to live a semi-normal life, while participating in drills at school, spying on a secretive sister, struggling with a delusional relative, and dealing with a rocky friendship. Also bringing out issues of civil and women’s rights, Franny makes many discoveries in herself and the people and areas around her.

An original ad from the '60s

Interspersed with rich black and white photographs, biographies of ‘60s icons, speeches made by politicians, and songs written by rebels, Countdown is a fun and engaging history lesson wrapped around a coming-of-age story. Franny must make sacrifices, take blame, and rely on her trust to prosper in these difficult times. While the photographs and extra pieces of writing do not directly relate to Franny’s story, her challenges and her victories can be seen in other figures of the 1960s. Printed on nice paper, with rich shades of gray, the pictures make for the ultimate reading experience.

A bio found in Countdown

Countdown, a book that should be read by people of all ages, all times, and all races, is a story of finding yourself while faced with circumstances that you have absolutely no control over. Franny, who I found reminiscent of Anne Frank, manages to smile, make the best of situations, and progress smoothly through her life, always seeking wonder and joy.

The first in the Sixties Trilogy, Countdown allows history to come alive and open itself to all generations.

Rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars

(Cover image via. Inside page pictures were taken by yours truly, Jacob Hopkins)

Chains: A Great Independence Day Read

Today is July 4th, 2011; the 235th anniversary of the issuing of the Declaration of Independence; Independence Day. The United States of America won its independence from Great Britain after we won the Revolutionary War. The citizens of America’s thirteen colonies were quite divided in which side they took in the War. There were the Patriots, those who wished that America would become its own country; and the Loyalists, those who sided with Britain. Chains, an exemplary historical novel by Laurie Halse Anderson, explores slavery during the Revolutionary War and the decisions that slaves had to make–most importantly, the decision between being a Patriot or a Loyalist.

Chains begins with Isabel and her little sister, Ruth, talking with their deceased owner’s lawyer. Isabel’s owner, a kind older lady, was always generous to Isabel and Ruth. She promised that when she passed away, Isabel and Ruth would be freed slaves. However, when the time finally came, the lawyer could not seem to find such papers claiming this wish of Isabel’s owner; they were “missing.” Of course, is blatantly clear that the lawyer really knew about the paper, but was not going to allow Isabel and Ruth to become free people. Devastated, Isabel and Ruth are shipped to New York to live with their new owners–a cruel, childless, Loyalist couple, the Locktons. Quickly, Isabel learns that the rest of the New York colony is not aware of the couple’s Loyalist status. The majority of the New Yorkers are Patriots, but, as Isabel learns, there are many secrets behind closed doors.

Fierce, irritable, and menacing, the Locktons constantly mock Isabel and Ruth for their skin color, beat them for their incompetence, and scold them for not completing every minute detail for every minute task. While running errands for her owners, Isabel frequently talks to Curzon, a slave for a Patriot soldier. Strong-willed, Curzon tries to convince Isabel that if she reveals the Lockton’s Loyalist secrets to the Patriots, she will be a free slave once the Patriots win the war. However, Isabel is not quite sure if she thinks the Patriots will even the war. Living in New York as a slave, Isabel hears many conversations from warriors on both sides of the war. Much of the conversations that she hears give no definite results to the looming war. 

Another big question that conflicts with Isabel’s life is: Which side should she believe? Essentially, both sides offer Isabel freedom, after the war, if she tattles on the opposing side. But living with an abusive Loyalist couple and seeing the ruckus of the Patriots in the streets, is no help for Isabel, needing answers.

Forge, the sequel to Chains

Ultimately, Isabel, who is a strong, independent, intelligent, young girl, no matter what her skin color is, comes to the conclusion that neither side will live up to its promise. Struggling with that fact, Isabel realizes that she must trust herself, not the Patriots and not the Loyalists. Confident, she lives her life, obeying the Locktons, but secretly living the life of a rebel. Not a Rebel, as in siding with the Americans that want to break free from Britain, but a rebel that lives her own life, standing strong. 

However, when the unthinkable happens, Isabel must make a decision that goes against her newly found beliefs. Despite punishment, Isabel puts someone else’s life first, but possibly too late. Taking the pain and injuries that come with her decision, Isabel is branded as a whole new person, a person that must live for what she believes in. For if she was to forget what she believed in, she would have nothing left at all.

Heart-pounding, heartbreaking, and heart-wrenching, Chains is what Laurie Halse Anderson refers to as a "historical thriller." Fast-paced, and often violent, Chains is nothing short of thrilling. Anderson’s lyrical, sweet prose expertly weaves one of this historical thriller’s main points: the irony of the Americans fighting for independence, when they treat their African-Americans no better than the British treat them. 

The first in a trilogy, The Seeds of America, Chains is followed by Forge, a sequel told from Curzon’s point-of-view. The thrilling finale in trilogy is expected to be released sometime late this year or early next.

Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

 (images via and via)

Gary D. Schmidt: Author of Flawless Prose

Gary D. Schmidt, an author for over fifteen years, has been praised numerous times by numerous reviewers. “There is no limit to what Schmidt may accomplish,” says Liz Rosenberg of the Boston Globe. Winner of the Newbery Honor for his books Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, which also received a Printz Honor, and The Wednesday Wars, Gary D. Schmidt has shown excellence in young adult literature, especially historical fiction. He makes “the implausible believable and the everyday momentous,” says Booklist in a starred review of The Wednesday Wars. I have read, and loved, cherished, and celebrated, books by Gary D. Schmidt, and I am thrilled to review his books as part of The Bookshelf’s Favorite Author Month because he is one of my favorite authors. One review of Schmidt’s The Wednesday Wars struck a chord in me, “Schmidt’s prose…is flawless,” The Bulletin. That four word simple sentence is absolutely true. Gary D. Schmidt has the writing style that superbly expresses the emotion and thought of his books. And that’s why he is a Favorite Author of the Month.

 

I have read two books by Gary D. Schmidt: The Wednesday Wars and Okay for Now. The Wednesday Wars tells the story of Holling Hoodhood, a Presbyterian seventh grader in the 1960s that must visit with one of his teachers, Mrs. Baker, while all the other students, who are Catholic or Jewish, attend religious instruction. Holling is convinced that Mrs. Baker is out to get him. Mrs. Baker assigns Shakespeare’s plays for Holling to read and later for the two of them to discuss during their afternoon sessions. While wary at first, Holling comes to understand the Shakespearean pieces and relates them to his own life. With the help of Shakespeare, Mrs. Baker, and a few other friends, Holling is able to stretch limitations, overcome fear, and head forward into the future. The first person narrative of The Wednesday Wars is magnificent and poetic. Gary D. Schmidt provides great relationships and references to Shakespeare when telling Holling’s story. An excellent read – 5.0 out of 5 stars!

Okay for Now is a companion novel that follows the story of Holling’s best friend, Doug Swieteck, as he and his family are uprooted from their home on Long Island and move to, as Doug would say, “stupid” Marysville, NY. Doug is upset that he has to leave his friends and school and connections for a trashy house in a deserted town. But when Doug travels to the local library, which is “stupidly” only open on Saturdays, Doug discovers a displayed copy of John James Audubon’s Birds of America. Much like Holling with Shakespeare, Doug learns to relate his life to the majestic soars and daring falls of the pictures of the birds in the book. Despite living in a home that is torn by alcohol, abuse, lies, and war, Doug manages to escape to a different life. A life where he makes friends by delivering groceries, finds peace in painting birds, much like Audubon’s, and takes part in a play adaption of Jane Eyre, despite once being illiterate. Once again, I was in awe of the flowing prose, the well-described setting, and the beautiful pictures of Audubon’s birds, which were at the beginning of each chapter.  Okay for Now was just recently released, and I would not be at all surprised if it won a ton of awards once the book award season rolls around (the beginning of every year). 5.0 out of 5 stars

I have not read yet, but I do own, Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy. Much like The Wednesday Wars and Okay for Now, it is historical fiction. I expect it to be just as enthralling, just as heart-warming as the other books that I have enjoyed by Gary D. Schmidt.

Finally, I would just like to say how much I love Gary D. Schmidt’s books as historical novels. While, they do touch on points in history such as the moon landing and Vietnam, Schmidt puts his characters first and foremost. His books are about how his characters react to different situations thrown at them and how they develop and mature. I would say his books are more coming-of-age than historical. Yes, the time period does play an important role, especially with education and the roles of woman and children in society, but the books pay close attention to the characters, instead of focusing all the attention on the historical events. I believe this is what makes Schmidt’s prose “flawless”. No, no quotations anymore. Flawless. Now that’s coming from me. Gary D. Schmidt’s prose is flawless.

Zora and Me: Valiant Stories of a Young Girl, Future Author

Zora Neale Hurston was a prominent African American novelist, folklorist, and anthropologist. Her love of storytelling and her inquisitive mind as a child allowed her to become a famous author as an adult. Born and raised in the all-black community of Eatonville, Florida, Zora was always getting into trouble and defying the rules to get an insider story. She quite frequently told largely exaggerated, or even entirely false, tales to her family, friends, neighbors, or anyone who would listen. She coveted books in the town's local bookstore, and one day she would find her own books at the same store. Having written over twenty books, short stories, plays, and articles, Zora's 1937 novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, was her most successful product. The ultimate tale of life and identity, Their Eyes Were Watching God was, and still is, a book that caused huge improvements in women and African Americans lifestyles. Zora received much acclaim for this novel and many of her other pieces of literature. She received the chance to work alongside Langston Hughes, a Harlem Renaissance poet and playwright, and is well respected in today's literary community. I recently read a book about Zora Neale Hurston before she was a famous novelist, Zora and Me, by Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon, a tale narrated by Zora's best friend, Carrie.

Zora Neale Hurston, as an adult

Carrie, a fictional character, but based on real friends from Zora's life, has always been Zora's best friend, always following her around. Zora's shadow, you could say. But Carrie's quite alright being the shadow; she's quieter than loud, flamboyant Zora. Carrie always has a great time with Zora, hearing her recite her wacky stories. One day, Zora declares that there's a half-man/half-gator living in Eatonville. Of course, no believes her except Carrie, who is slightly skeptical herself. But if there is one thing that Zora is, it is determined. She stands by her story and will fight until she proves it. While traveling to their favorite tree, Zora, Carrie, and another friend discover a young man with a guitar, named Ivory. He is traveling to collect sap from the trees in Eatonville, and to sell it in the city. The friends like the kind man and enjoy his music.

Two children playing in Eatonville, FL

However, one day it is discovered that a "guitar-playing, hippie" is found dead, decapitated on the train tracks. Without needing to look, Zora and Carrie know who it is, their new friend Ivory. Saddened, the two friends go to the local swimming pond and discover that a local elderly woman, who considers herself a physic, has fallen off the edge of the cliff. The fall is declared accidental, but Zora thinks different. She believes that the same person that killed Ivory, attempted to kill the old woman. However, Zora doesn't think it was a person. She thinks it was the half-man/half-gator.

This leads the two friends on thrilling adventures, talking to the local officials, trespassing, eavesdropping, spying, and the most fun part: putting all the puzzle pieces together to solve the mystery.

This short, but fun, book gives, in amazing detail, the life of Zora. The reader is in advantage because the narrator is Carrie. If the book were to be narrated by Zora, we would be unable to get the descriptive words and imagery that come with viewing Zora's different journeys. Beautifully written and surprisingly thoughtful, Zora and Me is the perfect book for those that wish to know more about Zora Neale Hurston, or for those that have never even heard of her.

Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars

Great Reads for this Spring

Ahhh. Spring. The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, and the sun is coming out of hibernation, glowing and spreading its warmth to Earth. What better time to enjoy nature, start fresh, or to dig into a great book? Never.

I’ve read, and heard about, so many great books lately that I feel that I must share them with you, the readers of The Bookshelf. I feel that I have compiled a list of books, new and old, fiction and true, to support you through the great season of spring. Books take you on adventures, provide you with guidance, and, well, are the greatest thing ever invented. Nothing compares to them. That’s right. Nothing. I hope you enjoy the following books as much as do and have a great spring reading and cherishing them.

Books that will make this spring the best one yet:

•       Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys: I, unfortunately, have not had the opportunity to read this book yet. However, I have not heard a single negative review of this historical novel. This book, which is already racking up tons of honors and slots on bestseller lists, explores the life of Lithuanians being forced into labor-camps during the Soviets’ rule. These camps, which are very similar to the Nazi concentration camps, prove to be foul, horrible places. But as the reader follows the journey of Lina, a sixteen-year-old    Lithuanian, it is discovered that courage and determination can conquer the odds. This harrowing novel is on the top of my to-read list, and I hope to review it once I am finished.

•          If I Stay by Gayle Forman: I read this book about a year ago, a month or so before the creation of The Bookshelf. Mia is an aspiring cellist and has hopes of making it into the prestigious Juilliard School, a preforming arts college in NYC. However, after a sudden car accident, Mia’s parents die, and she and her younger brother are taken to the hospital in critical condition. While comatose, Mia narrates the story, ultimately trying to make the decision to live or die. She is able to hear and see everything while she is in the coma and must face the difficult truth that if she were to live, her world would be completely different. This is a strong novel about life-altering decisions and willpower.

•          White Cat by Holly Black: Cassel Sharpe comes from a family of cure workers: people who are able to control the lives of others. Each curse worker is given the ability to control different things in people such as, emotions, luck, dreams, memories, physical pain, et cetera, all with the touch of a bare hand. Cassel, however, is the only one in his family that was not born a curse worker. Though Cassel is viewed as a con man or criminal like curse workers are, he still feels like one because he murdered his best friend. The reader is taken on an adventure of cons, shady pasts, lies, and unclear intentions as we the readers, and Cassel himself, attempt to discover what caused him to kill his best friend. A stellar read – review coming soon.

•           What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell: Another book that explores the art of lying and deception. Taking place after the end of World War II, Evie, an average ‘40s teen, is swept into a web of lies when her stepfather returns from war. Everything seems bright and cheery at first, but when Evie and her family go to Florida for a vacation, a whole other side is revealed to Evie of her once simple life. Many events occur that reveal shocking secrets about her once picture-perfect family. And when tragedy strikes, Evie must decide between what is right and what will ultimately save her family, whom, despite everything, she still cares for. The ending to this novel caught me by surprise as I’m sure the whole book will for you.

•          A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle: I am actually currently reading this classic book, perfect for all ages. What begins with the simple life of Meg Murry, quickly sky rockets into a time-traveling, space-defying tale of a genius four-year-old, three mysterious old ladies, and a being called IT. Originally published in 1962, this timeless classic will take you on an adventure and touch your heart.  

Well, there you have it; your ultimate list of what to read this spring – because no spring would be perfect without the presence of books!

The Book Thief: Different & Astounding

I finished this book, The Book Thief, earlier this year before I created The Bookshelf. It is, so far, the best book that I have read this year.

Different. This book is certainly different. The narrator is Death. Yes, I said Death, as in the opposite of life. Death starts the book by telling about how he (or she? it?) sees the majority of humans, how he thinks they're selfish monsters. Then Death goes on to talk about the one person that narrowly escaped his wrath, multiple times throughout her life. This one person was Liesel Meminger.

Liesel's story starts when she was eleven years old, and was traveling with her mother and younger brother. They are Germans, and it is World War II time. Liesel's mother is sending her two children into foster care, because she is unable to care for them during this difficult time. While on their way to the foster home, Liesel's brother abruptly dies. Mortified, Liesel watches as her little brother is quickly buried in an unknown setting. Before Liesel travels the rest of the way to her new home, she finds a book left behind by the gravedigger. When no one is looking, she steals the book. And thus begins her life as a book thief.

The story continues to tell the next four years of Liesel's life. She learns to read with the help of her kind foster father. She comes to love her new tough-love foster mother. She makes friends with a neighbor down the street. And she quickly befriends a Jew that her family hides in their basement. And, of course, she continues to steal books. This is extremely dangerous, but these books are what get her through the troubling times.

Astounding. This 600-paged book has received numerous awards and hundreds of accolades. Markus Zusak uses unique, lyrical writing to tell this story. This book is written like no other. I knew the end of the book, by the middle of the book. This is not because it was a predictable book, this book was extremely unpredictable. I knew the ending, because the narrator, Death, told me about it. Death, and I quote, doesn't enjoy surprises. Death, at least in this book, is like that. He has a surprisingly strange sense of humor, and can be very blunt. Even knowing the ending, I was still shocked when I got to the end of the book.

Not many authors can do that.

Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

Back-to-School Reads

It's that time of the year again. Back-to-school time. A time when you spend your weekends shopping for school supplies, clothes, and (hopefully) books. Whether you're excited for the new school, or dreading its return, one thing's for sure: you're going to get books. Of course, you'll receive your textbooks for your classes, but you'll probably need a book for leisure reading, too.

You will probably have to read a book, that you don't want to read, this school year. It will most likely be a classic, filled with metaphors, allegories, and hard-to-decipher sentences. While these books can be good, you wouldn't want to read only them. You would want to read some more relaxed, immersible books.

I have created a list of leisure books that I think would be good to balance out the old, dry, books that you may have to read this year. I have not read all these books, but all of them have received great reviews. For each book (or series), I have included the title, author, and a short blurb. To learn more about the book click on title of the book.

• The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins - Sometime in the future, lies the country Panem, formally known as the United States of America. The Capitol, the city which houses the leaders of Panem, is cruel to the country's citizens. The Capitol does many horrid things, including sending kids and teens on a fight to the death. Worst of all, the fight is televised, and the people at home are forced to watch.

• Uglies by Scott Westerfeld - I have not read this one, but I have heard great things from people who have. This book also takes place in the future, where everyone undergoes a surgery at the age of sixteen to become "pretty". The title makes this book seem kind of...shallow, but it actually isn't. Also, despite the title, this book can be read by boys and girls. It is written by a male author, Scott Westerfeld. Westerfeld is a great author, and I will have to give this book a try.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling - First book in the series. Everybody's probably already heard of this one. :)
  

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - A great WWII Holocaust book about a young orphaned girl, who steals books to help get through the challenges in her life. This is a great read for book lovers, and it has won tons of awards.

• The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer - Surely you've heard of it. If you haven't, you must be living under a rock. :) The series is not my first choice, but if can get you to read, it can't be so bad. Blurb: Love and love triangles between humans, vampires, and werewolves.

• Eragon by Christopher Paolini - First book in the Inheritance Cycle, a series about dragons and their riders. This book has many similarities to The Lord of the Rings, so if you liked LOTR, you may want to check this series out. However, if you like LOTR, you may not want to check this series out. Many readers claim that the book is just a rip-off off Tolkien's classic.

That's enough books to get you started for this school year. My new school year begins on the 24th-only ten days away! Hopefully, this book list will help you as you head into a new school year.

The Pox Party: 18th Century Meets Evil Scientists

As I mentioned in the last post, I have recently finished The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: Pox Party by M.T. Anderson. This book has won numerous awards, including The National Book Award, The Printz Honor, and dozens of smaller awards. Due to the large amount of awards given to this novel, I knew I had to read it the moment I saw it. And here I am, I have finished The Pox Party, and it was nothing like I would've expected.

Many reviewers that have read this book claim that this novel is hard to get through. Many see this book as too provocative for the age group. In fact the majority of the readers (as seen through reviews), are adults. This Gothic lit follows the the first sixteen years of Octavian Gitney's life. He was a Prince of a far away, African nation. His mother, while pregnant with him, was exiled from the island, and was sold to the Novanglian College of Lucidity. This "college" was a house of philosophers and scientists. All the members of the house performed experiments, the results of which, were supposed to benefit mankind. The experiments were often vile, horrid, and cruel. It was not until one day, years after Octavian was born, did he realize that he, himself was one of the college's experiments.

The experiment was if an African child could thrive, as well as an English child, if he was raised with the same benefits. Throughout his life, Octavian was put through several tests, required to do strange things (including having his food, and his feces weighed), and was given a very rigorous education. Upon discovering this horrifying fact, that he was no more than an experiment, Octavian started rebelling.

One day, the college had decided to inject a form of small pox into themselves, the slaves (including Octavian and his mother), and other persons of high society. These injections were happening because, the small pox were starting to spread through the thirteen colonies, and instead of catching a fatal form of the small pox through the air, the injected were receiving a less harmful dose, and would be kept in a secure house. The college was doing this for experimental purposes, also. The members recorded, in detail, the sufferings of the people, including Octavian's mother. And when something unforgettable happens, Octavian runs away from the horrible wrath of the college. From that point of the story, Octavian starts living life on his own, questioning the differences between good and evil, and liberty and property.

I found this book very thought-provoking. It's not the kind of book to read, when you want to be happy. Honestly, not one happy thing happens in this Gothic novel. This book does discuss some major motifs: racism, good/evil, tyranny, Biblical allusions, and social class.

One other thing that may keep you away from this award winner, is the language. While not foul, it does contain some big, confusing, 18th century terms (novanglian and lucidity, for starters). However, don't let this keep you away. Give it a try. :)

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars