--Zach
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Book Review: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
One to describe--HILARIOUS! Completely wonderful and cheery! Main character is an awesome girl, and the writing style is awesome. Very family friendly! I would recommend for fun, light reading!
--Zach
--Zach
Book Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
It was such an intriguing story! Definitely not for everyon, nor is it family-friendly. Very relatable main character, but there is some content that is too detailed and there is a lot of substance abuse. Definitely not for anyone younger than 16.
--Zach
--Zach
Monday, January 14, 2013
Book Review: The Hobbit
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
**Warning: Contains Spoilers**
The Hobbit is not only the prequel to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, but also the story of Bilbo Baggins' adventure from his cozy home in the Shire to the Lonely Mountain--former home of Thorin the Dwarf's ancestors.
The story begins in the Shire during what Bilbo Baggins, young hobbit and resident of the Shire, presumed would be an ordinary and peaceful day. He was, however, unaware that Gandalf, a renowned wizard, was planning to recruit Bilbo as a "burglar" and traveling companion to aid thirteen dwarves, who were plotting to travel to the Lonely Mountain; enter the domain of Smaug--a massive, hostile dragon; slay Smaug; and reclaim the mountain as well as its wealth. Upon meeting Gandalf, Bilbo attempted to stop Gandalf from including him in this endeavor because hobbits are very rarely adventurous. The next day, however, by increasing numbers, dwarves began arriving at Bilbo's home until there were thirteen dwaves in his home. They were all drinking and eating everything in Bilbo's pantry while Bilbo struggled to serve the dwarves, while simultaneously endeavoring to stop the dwarves before they ate every last crumb and drank every last beverage. The dwarves, as well as Gandalf who had also appeared with them, went on to tell Bilbo of the adventure they planned to begin. Bilbo, after the dwarves had finished eating, then went to sleep and found that the dwarves were gone upon awakening.
Bilbo believed that the dwarves had accepted his decision to remain in the Shire. However, Gandalf soon appeared and told Bilbo that he had a mere ten minutes to find the dwarves before they set out on their journey. Bilbo, who forgot many things, such as his hat, money, handkerchief, and other things, ran as fast as he could until he reached the dwarves at Bywater. Each one loaded up his supplies, mounted his pony, and set off for the Lonely Mountain. That night, after much traveling, they eventually found a place to sleep. They later noticed a light in the distance, and sent Bilbo to discover what it was. The light was a fire built by three trolls named Bert, Tom, and William. The trolls captured Bilbo and the dwarves and they had decided to eat them, but Gandalf appeared and turned them to stone. He did this by shining light at them, for trolls must be underground when bright light is around or they shall become statues. They eventually made it to the Misty Mountains and took residence in a cave at night. However, a pack of goblins found them and successfully kidnapped them. Although the dwarves did not give the goblins much trouble, Gandalf attacked and killed many of them. Bilbo and the dwarves were brought before the Goblin King, but Gandalf appeared, slayed the Goblin King, and led the dwarves out of the area. Dori was tasked with carrying Bilbo on his back, but Bilbo fell off and became unconscious.
Upon awakening, Bilbo realized that he was alone in a long tunnel. After a long walk, he discovered the Ring of Power, which appeared to be simply an ordinary ring to Bilbo. Later, he found the miserable, wicked Gollum. Gollum, who planned to use the Ring of Power to become invisible and kill a therefore unaware Bilbo, suddenly darted off upon realizing that he had lost the ring. Bilbo managed to escape and later he managed to find the dwarves. Later, as they prepared for yet another day of travel, Gandalf warned the dwarves that the path before them must not be abandoned. After much tiresome travel along that path, the famished dwarves learned that there was a feast nearby that was not along the path by which Gandalf had instructed them to remain. They eventually arrived and learned that it was the Wood Elves having a feast. The dwarves, who were desperate for some food, sent Thorin--the leader of the group--to attempt to receive admittance to the feast with the elves. As this transpired the lights instantly were turned off and Bilbo tried to find the other dwarves but he could neither see them nor could he hear them, for they were presently incapable to reply. Bilbo quickly abandoned hopes of finding them and decided to dream of breakfast. Upon waking, he soon realized he was being ensnared by a massive spider's web. He fought the spider with his fists until he remembered his sword. Upon seeing the sword, the spider immediately retreated but Bilbo killed it before falling asleep yet again.
Bilbo later uncovered the area in which the spiders were meeting in order to determine what they would do to the dwarves. After Bilbo quickly learned that the spiders planned to eat the dwarves, he sung a song that infuriated the spiders, caused them to chase Bilbo and left the dwarves unguarded as a result. Bilbo set the dwarves free; however, they now had to evacuate while fighting off a great number of enormous spiders. Fortunately, Bilbo was killing spiders in a blur and checked their every advance. As Bilbo became weary, the spiders retreated and left the dwarves to ponder what had become of Thorin. They later learned that Thorin had become a captive of the Wood Elves as they themselves were captured (except Bilbo, who disappeared before the elves detected him). Bilbo, after studying the security patterns of the Elven King's castle, freed the dwarves while some of the castle residents were occupied with their feast. Bilbo then proceeded to lock the dwarves in barrels, toss them into the water-gate, and jump on a barrel, for he had forgotten to seal himself inside one. They eventually reached Lake Town, where they were treated like royalty. They were fattened up, rested, and given weapons as they promised in due time to leave to slay Smaug and reclaim the Lonely Mountain. They set off for the mountain and arrived without much difficulty; however, they were faced with a previously somewhat overlooked pair of objectives--entering the mountain and killing Smaug. Eventually, Durin's Day came and they used Thorin's key to unlock the entrance to the mountain. Bilbo, being the burglar, was sent to investigate Smaug's domain. He found a sleeping Smaug, who was resting on his incredible pile of treasure. Bilbo stole merely one gold cup, but Smaug became aware of this after awakening. He responded by hunting the dwarves' ponies and eating as many as he could catch. Another day, Bilbo entered the dragon's room only to find that the dragon was merely pretending to be asleep. The dragon could only smell him, because Bilbo had used the Power Ring and Smaug could not see his prey. After some conversation and riddles, Bilbo made the mistake of aggravating Smaug. Bilbo escaped his attack because the dragon was too large to follow Bilbo through the route Bilbo used. Smaug then unleashed his wrath on the Lake Town. He killed many men and destroyed many of the settlements, but Bard, an accomplished archer as well as the grimp captain of archers who stationed themselves amid the burning houses, killed Smaug by shooting him in the heart. The dwarves were unaware that Bard had killed Smaug. Therefore, they were preoccupied with planning to kill Smaug while many men and elves were on their way in order to claim some of the treasure. Before they arrived, an elderly raven warned the dwarves that the elves and men were traveling to the Lonely Mountain. This news prompted the dwarves to brace themselves for battle and make camp near the mountain. Upon arriving, Bard informed Thorin that he had slayed the dragon and his people needed a share of the treasure in order to reconstruct their city. Thorin, who believed that the treasure was meant for no one other than him and his companions, stubbornly refused to share any wealth. Eventually, Bilbo, who wanted nothing more thant to end this endeavor and resign to the Shire, gave Bard the Arkenstone--a large gem worth more than any other treasure in the mountain. Bilbo gave Bard this stone so Bard could negotiate to receive some of the treasure and resolve the conflict. Before a deal was made, Thorin's hundreds of relatives appeared equipped with weapons, armor, and a surplus of food. Suddenly, Gandalf appeared and he warned them all that goblins and wargs were near and were prepared for battle. Upon learning this, the men, elves, and dwarves joined forces to fight them. This battle became known as the "Battle of Five Armies." Shortly after the battle began, the eagles arrived. A goblin threw a stone which accidentally knocked Bilbo unconscious, for he was currently invisible, with a poorly aimed stone. Upon waking, Bilbo learned that the goblins and wargs were defeated and a man who discovered Bilbo carried him to Gandalf. Bilbo also learned that Thorin had reclaimed the mountain and Bard had returned the Arkenstone. In the end, Bilbo received two small chests--one containing silver, the other containing gold. He finally traveled back home to the Shire, where he peacefully lived for many more years.
--Brett E.
**Warning: Contains Spoilers**
The story begins in the Shire during what Bilbo Baggins, young hobbit and resident of the Shire, presumed would be an ordinary and peaceful day. He was, however, unaware that Gandalf, a renowned wizard, was planning to recruit Bilbo as a "burglar" and traveling companion to aid thirteen dwarves, who were plotting to travel to the Lonely Mountain; enter the domain of Smaug--a massive, hostile dragon; slay Smaug; and reclaim the mountain as well as its wealth. Upon meeting Gandalf, Bilbo attempted to stop Gandalf from including him in this endeavor because hobbits are very rarely adventurous. The next day, however, by increasing numbers, dwarves began arriving at Bilbo's home until there were thirteen dwaves in his home. They were all drinking and eating everything in Bilbo's pantry while Bilbo struggled to serve the dwarves, while simultaneously endeavoring to stop the dwarves before they ate every last crumb and drank every last beverage. The dwarves, as well as Gandalf who had also appeared with them, went on to tell Bilbo of the adventure they planned to begin. Bilbo, after the dwarves had finished eating, then went to sleep and found that the dwarves were gone upon awakening.
Bilbo believed that the dwarves had accepted his decision to remain in the Shire. However, Gandalf soon appeared and told Bilbo that he had a mere ten minutes to find the dwarves before they set out on their journey. Bilbo, who forgot many things, such as his hat, money, handkerchief, and other things, ran as fast as he could until he reached the dwarves at Bywater. Each one loaded up his supplies, mounted his pony, and set off for the Lonely Mountain. That night, after much traveling, they eventually found a place to sleep. They later noticed a light in the distance, and sent Bilbo to discover what it was. The light was a fire built by three trolls named Bert, Tom, and William. The trolls captured Bilbo and the dwarves and they had decided to eat them, but Gandalf appeared and turned them to stone. He did this by shining light at them, for trolls must be underground when bright light is around or they shall become statues. They eventually made it to the Misty Mountains and took residence in a cave at night. However, a pack of goblins found them and successfully kidnapped them. Although the dwarves did not give the goblins much trouble, Gandalf attacked and killed many of them. Bilbo and the dwarves were brought before the Goblin King, but Gandalf appeared, slayed the Goblin King, and led the dwarves out of the area. Dori was tasked with carrying Bilbo on his back, but Bilbo fell off and became unconscious.
Upon awakening, Bilbo realized that he was alone in a long tunnel. After a long walk, he discovered the Ring of Power, which appeared to be simply an ordinary ring to Bilbo. Later, he found the miserable, wicked Gollum. Gollum, who planned to use the Ring of Power to become invisible and kill a therefore unaware Bilbo, suddenly darted off upon realizing that he had lost the ring. Bilbo managed to escape and later he managed to find the dwarves. Later, as they prepared for yet another day of travel, Gandalf warned the dwarves that the path before them must not be abandoned. After much tiresome travel along that path, the famished dwarves learned that there was a feast nearby that was not along the path by which Gandalf had instructed them to remain. They eventually arrived and learned that it was the Wood Elves having a feast. The dwarves, who were desperate for some food, sent Thorin--the leader of the group--to attempt to receive admittance to the feast with the elves. As this transpired the lights instantly were turned off and Bilbo tried to find the other dwarves but he could neither see them nor could he hear them, for they were presently incapable to reply. Bilbo quickly abandoned hopes of finding them and decided to dream of breakfast. Upon waking, he soon realized he was being ensnared by a massive spider's web. He fought the spider with his fists until he remembered his sword. Upon seeing the sword, the spider immediately retreated but Bilbo killed it before falling asleep yet again.
Bilbo later uncovered the area in which the spiders were meeting in order to determine what they would do to the dwarves. After Bilbo quickly learned that the spiders planned to eat the dwarves, he sung a song that infuriated the spiders, caused them to chase Bilbo and left the dwarves unguarded as a result. Bilbo set the dwarves free; however, they now had to evacuate while fighting off a great number of enormous spiders. Fortunately, Bilbo was killing spiders in a blur and checked their every advance. As Bilbo became weary, the spiders retreated and left the dwarves to ponder what had become of Thorin. They later learned that Thorin had become a captive of the Wood Elves as they themselves were captured (except Bilbo, who disappeared before the elves detected him). Bilbo, after studying the security patterns of the Elven King's castle, freed the dwarves while some of the castle residents were occupied with their feast. Bilbo then proceeded to lock the dwarves in barrels, toss them into the water-gate, and jump on a barrel, for he had forgotten to seal himself inside one. They eventually reached Lake Town, where they were treated like royalty. They were fattened up, rested, and given weapons as they promised in due time to leave to slay Smaug and reclaim the Lonely Mountain. They set off for the mountain and arrived without much difficulty; however, they were faced with a previously somewhat overlooked pair of objectives--entering the mountain and killing Smaug. Eventually, Durin's Day came and they used Thorin's key to unlock the entrance to the mountain. Bilbo, being the burglar, was sent to investigate Smaug's domain. He found a sleeping Smaug, who was resting on his incredible pile of treasure. Bilbo stole merely one gold cup, but Smaug became aware of this after awakening. He responded by hunting the dwarves' ponies and eating as many as he could catch. Another day, Bilbo entered the dragon's room only to find that the dragon was merely pretending to be asleep. The dragon could only smell him, because Bilbo had used the Power Ring and Smaug could not see his prey. After some conversation and riddles, Bilbo made the mistake of aggravating Smaug. Bilbo escaped his attack because the dragon was too large to follow Bilbo through the route Bilbo used. Smaug then unleashed his wrath on the Lake Town. He killed many men and destroyed many of the settlements, but Bard, an accomplished archer as well as the grimp captain of archers who stationed themselves amid the burning houses, killed Smaug by shooting him in the heart. The dwarves were unaware that Bard had killed Smaug. Therefore, they were preoccupied with planning to kill Smaug while many men and elves were on their way in order to claim some of the treasure. Before they arrived, an elderly raven warned the dwarves that the elves and men were traveling to the Lonely Mountain. This news prompted the dwarves to brace themselves for battle and make camp near the mountain. Upon arriving, Bard informed Thorin that he had slayed the dragon and his people needed a share of the treasure in order to reconstruct their city. Thorin, who believed that the treasure was meant for no one other than him and his companions, stubbornly refused to share any wealth. Eventually, Bilbo, who wanted nothing more thant to end this endeavor and resign to the Shire, gave Bard the Arkenstone--a large gem worth more than any other treasure in the mountain. Bilbo gave Bard this stone so Bard could negotiate to receive some of the treasure and resolve the conflict. Before a deal was made, Thorin's hundreds of relatives appeared equipped with weapons, armor, and a surplus of food. Suddenly, Gandalf appeared and he warned them all that goblins and wargs were near and were prepared for battle. Upon learning this, the men, elves, and dwarves joined forces to fight them. This battle became known as the "Battle of Five Armies." Shortly after the battle began, the eagles arrived. A goblin threw a stone which accidentally knocked Bilbo unconscious, for he was currently invisible, with a poorly aimed stone. Upon waking, Bilbo learned that the goblins and wargs were defeated and a man who discovered Bilbo carried him to Gandalf. Bilbo also learned that Thorin had reclaimed the mountain and Bard had returned the Arkenstone. In the end, Bilbo received two small chests--one containing silver, the other containing gold. He finally traveled back home to the Shire, where he peacefully lived for many more years.
--Brett E.
Book Review: Brain Camp
Brain Camp by Susan Kim, Laurence Klavan, and Faith Erin Hicks
It was fun, but not as good as Friends with Boys! I always love her style of art and writing, but it just wasn't as good as I would have hoped.
--Zach
--Zach
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