The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian

PR senior Valentina loved Chris Bohjalian's The Double Bind, calling it a "fantastic" book "packed with mystery and suspense." She wrote that this book will make you "want to go back and re-read, just to note all the hints and clues throughout the novel that foreshadow the ending," though she admits she did not expect the ending that "makes the entire book make sense." The PR Library has several copies of this fantastic book, so check it out!

Viking Warrior by Judson Roberts

Warren, a sophomore at PR, liked Viking Warrior though it "did not have enough violence for a book with Viking in the name." However, he warns that there "is lots of violence in this book, just not as much as there should have been."

Addicted to Ellen Hopkins

Junior Abi loved Burned by Ellen Hopkins. Her own words: "Written completely in poetry, this novel is a surprisingly addictive read. Although the format looks hard to follow at first, it's easy to understand after the first few pages. The plot takes you on a terrifying journey of a teenage girl living in an abusive family, and how she found herself at her happiest where she least expected to. This novel is not for the faint of heart; the narrator reveals an intensely disturbing past and has a bleak outlook for the future. But the story is nevertheless intriguing, and the narrator is likeable even through her pessimistic outlook on life."

Perks of Being a Wallflower Won't Disappoint

Nick, senior at PR, loved Stephen Chbosky's Perks of Being a Wallflower which he read in one sitting. Nick wrote "whether it is his first real crush or his confrontation with the 'cool' crowd, Charlie experiences it all." Did you miss the "surprising twist" at the end? Nick recommends paying careful attention in order to catch it.

Sophomore Sean also loved this book, writing that it's a "very easy book to relate to and a great read. I found myself attatched to Charlie at the end of the book as if I knew him and I was hoping for the best for him. Pick it up; it's the best I've read in a long time."

Dive into The Book of Lost Things

Senior Stephanie absolutely loved The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly. She describes this book as a "compelling novel" that begins "with the death of David’s mother and the remarriage of his father to another woman. David leaves his house and memories to go live in a mansion owned by his step-mother" where "he is transported into a world full of fairy tales, knights, kings, tricksters, and many other creatures from mythology." The fast-paced story combined favorite fairy tales such as "Rumpelstiltskin, Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Snow White, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Beauty and the Beast."

Sister Carrie Deserves a Try

Mrs. Fuerholzer recommends Theodore Dreiser's Sister Carrie. In her own words: "Written at the turn of the century (1900), the novel focuses on a young girl who leaves her small home town in Wisconsin to live with her sister in Chicago. As things become difficult at home, Carrie does what she has to in order to make her life better. She receives the help of a male benefactor, only to be swept off her feet by his married friend. Her new 'sugar-daddy' brings Carrie into a world which she did not intentionally ask for when leaving Wisconsin. Carrie struggles to keep her morals intact while chasing the wealth and glamour which she secretly wants. Without giving anything away, she does become a 'fallen woman,' but she does get her redemption at the end. This is a very engaging read as it questions the lengths people will go through to get what they want, and how women really can go beyond the stereotype of being weak and dependent upon men. The book originally was rejected by several publishers because they found its contents to be 'immoral.'" Give it a try!