Thursday, October 23, 2014

Most Books Checked Out From the Library Book 'Stache for First Quarter!

 

Winners!  

Most Books Checked Out From the Library 'Stache!

Maarten M.
Lily T.
Reece M.
Elijah H.
Samantha F.
Mary F.
Lane B.
Henry N.S.
Deacon K.
Ellie P.
Thad J.
Abigail M.
Ada Z.
Austin W.
Gwen W.
Stephen L.
Kerinna G.
Sukainah A.
Liz R.
Rachel K.
Duke H.
Levi G.
Maya F.
Michael L.
Jacob H.
Karen M.
Mariana M.
Julia M.
Mr. Roth Shank
Mr. J. Stutzman
Mrs. Swartz

Thursday, October 16, 2014

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho



Book Review: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
          
This book is about a shepherd boy named Santiago who use to live with his sheep in Spain. Shepherds at that time didn’t only herd sheep, but also traveled a lot, so he didn’t really have a permanent home, and he lived off trading things. One day, he dreamed of something special, and went to find a Gypsy woman to have his dreams translated. She said that he had to visit the pyramids in Egypt for treasures, but he went out doubtful. On the way, he met an old man who knew that the boy was traveling to Egypt, and told him about Personal Legends and the omens. This became his long adventure to the Pyramids of Egypt, and many things have changed in him.

 This book teaches that we need to live out our dreams and it kind of makes us think back to our lifestyle. I would recommend to people who think life is meaningless and to people who like adventure stories.

Reviewed by Isaac
Grade 10
Rating: Epic

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas


Duels, Romance, and Lackeys
The Three Musketeers.  The book that has bred hundreds of movies, TV shows, and has inspired people for a over a hundred years, a true classic.  Enter into a world where chivalry still exists, honor is valued over death, and the Cardinal sees all.  An elegant piece of work that truly deserves all the praise that it is given.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Three Musketeers.  In fact, it is rare that I enjoy a book as much as I did this particular one.  I was hooked the entire way through, so much so that I randomly made my friends read excerpts from it almost daily.  I liked everything from its random flashes of brilliant humor to the swashbuckling duels to the death.  The book as a whole is eloquently written and a completely engaging read.
You will meet a plethora of lovable and detestable characters during your reading of The Three Musketeers.  Of course, you will be introduced to the titled musketeers, Athos, Aramis, and Porthos, the hidden lord, the priest, and thief.  However, contrary to the title, these three will be joined by a young Gascon farm boy named d'Artagnan, who is in fact the main character for half the book.              
These valiant men will fight against the forces of the powerful Cardinal, the most influential man in France.   The cunning and beautiful, Milady de Winter, a young woman with a deadly past, also makes an entrance, proving herself to be a skillful puppetmaster.
Combine these larger than life characters with swords, war councils, hidden pasts, love, plots against the crown, and hidden agendas, you will get a stunning book that has bravely stood the test of time.
To close this review, I will quote the famous saying of these four friends, “all for one, and one for all.” (219) 

Reviewed by Rachel, Grade 10

Rating: Epic