By Raeshma V.
Markus Zusak is the kind of writer who lives to tell stories- a storyteller. He has the unusual ability of stringing multiple events together in such a way that the reader is left in suspense, not knowing what to expect until the very end of the story. Zusak's story, The Book Thief, is a historical, coming of age fiction. It is set in 1939, in Nazi Germany, a setting in which the country is left trying to survive.
Liesel Meminger has just lost her brother to Death, when she finds The Grave Digger's Handbook hidden in the snow by her brother's graveside. Little does she know, that it will change her life forever. The book was lost by someone, unknown to Liesel, and it becomes Liesel's first act of book thievery when she steals it. From there onwards, Liesel falls in love with words, and with the help of her father who has an oddly large love for the accordion, she learns how to read. She begins stealing books wherever they can be found, whether it is from the library, or the Nazi book-burnings.
However, the times Liesel lives in are not to be taken lightly. Liesel's life takes a drastic turn for better or worst when a Jew is hidden by her foster family in their basement.
Zusak's writing is intense, and the amount of detail he includes throughout the book leaves the reader in shock because of how well-written they are. He adds the element of suspense throughout the book, and leaves the reader on edge until the very end. He also includes many characteristics in Liesel and other main characters that you would not expect to fit together, but somehow they do. Liesel may be a thief, but she also symbolizes innocence and survival.
I had never read any of Zusak's stories, but after I read The Book Thief, I learned that he has six other works, and I am currently in the middle of reading The Messenger. I would definitely recommend his writing to anyone.
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'Fever 1793' Book Review
By Raeshma Vallabhaneni
Writer Laurie Halse Anderson has the unique ability to make a plot so gripping that it seems too real to not be real. Her story, Fever 1793, is a historical fiction, young adult literature. It is set in the summer of 1793, in Philadelphia, a setting in which fever has broken out.
Fourteen-year old Mattie Cook lives with her widowed mother and grandfather, above her family's coffee shop. Her days are spent with her making plans of bringing her largest vision to life- by turning her family's little business into a successful enterprise. But then, the rumors of yellow fever become a reality that hits too close to home.
As disease spreads through the streets, destruction is left everywhere and Mattie's life takes a turn for the worst. As she abides by her ill mother's words, Mattie and her grandfather flee the city, but it doesn't take long for them to realize that the disease is everywhere. Mattie encounters the biggest struggle of her life- the struggle to stay alive.
Anderson's writing is the kind of captivating that draws you in, until you can't possibly stop reading. The characters are so well-written that after you read the book, you have a clear and detailed picture of a different world imprinted in your mind. The plot is the most well-written part of the book, with an uneasiness that leaves the reader both anticipating and fearing what happens next.
I would definitely recommend Fever 1793 to anyone with an interest in the mix of historical fiction and emotional, young adult literature. Anderson has over six books that she has written, and I am currently in the middle of reading Speak. Overall, this book is easily one of the best novels I have ever read.
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'Binge' Book Review
By Raeshma Vallabhaneni
Tyler Oakley is one of the most outspoken social rights advocates and well-known LGBTQ+ voices in the Internet world. Although he has shared most of his life online, he still managed to keep a private life full of stories and experiences that he has never shared with the rest of the world- until now.
In Binge, Oakley reveals his most embarrasing, hilarious moments, but still manages to deliver the witty persona that made him so popular in the first place. However, this collection of personal essays does not only focus on the humourous, positive aspects of Oakley's life- it also shines light on the phobia and judgement that comes with being a part of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the struggles of dealing with being gay, when he was not accepted by his own father. This book is a symbol of both the daily struggles that many people face of being accepted for who they are, but also a symbol of hope for those who are experiencing the difficult aspects of life that Tyler once found himself in.
Oakley's writing is very raw and informal, as he opens up about some of the most personal parts of his life. His descriptions of scenes and feelings make the reader feel as though they themselves are experiencing everything he has been through right next to him. His writing is humorous at times, and dark at others. One of the reasons the book is so captivating is because of how relatable it really is, because although not everyone has gone through all of the struggles Oakley has, everyone has dealt with the feeling of wanting to be accepted for who they are, unapologetically.
I would recommend this book to anyone, and although Oakley has not written any other books, I look forward to any future pieces of work he releases.
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