Sunday, May 23, 2010

Hunger - Michael Grant


Dark, scary at times and a psychological thriller - this is definitely a book for the mature teen reader. Hunger is the second novel in the Gone series - a supernatural fantasy about a world of Perdido Beach now known as the FAYZ - where everyone over the age of 15 has disappeared and the remaining kids struggle to survive. Some of the kids have an array of supernatural and peculiar powers. Sam struggles to provide leadership in a town where no adults have survived and where the necessities of life are in short supply.

The archetype and sinister struggle between good and evil reminds us that evil lives inside even the most innocent.

You can check out the fanwebsite here ..if you dare.

Monday, May 10, 2010

The Road - Cormac McCarthy


After reading The Road in some Level 3 exam essays the last couple of years, I decided I'd better read it. As a fan of science fiction, this post apocalyptic novel appealed. The bleak view of the world presented is tempered only by the unwavering love the father has for his son.

I cannot imagine what the film will be like - other than that Viggo will be powerful as the father.
You can read more about The Road and McCarthy here .

I couldn't put it down. Powerful Level 3 essays too.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Exposure - Mal Peet


Great idea, great story. Following in the footsteps of Shakespeare, Peet takes the story of Othello and reworks it (with interesting changes) into a modern day setting.

Otelo is a South America's football superstar, Desmerelda is a his pop idol bride (not unlike the Beckham's). Peet retains the original racial contrasts. Desmerelda's father 'owns' Otelo's new club. Michael Cass is their bodyguard, Diego (Iago) is Otelo's trusted manager. Set against a backdrop of football fanaticism, streetkid poverty, exploitation and racism in modern day South America, it tells a believable story of what life can be like in the world of 'superstardom'.

I'll definitely be recommending it to senior readers.
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