13 Reasons Why

 By Jay Asher

Young Adult Fiction

Reviewed by Kianna from the Altona Branch

    The book 13 Reasons Why, a young adult fiction book, focuses on the very serious topic of suicide. It tells the story of a teen girl who, unfortunately, like an increasing number of teens, takes her own life.  However, even after she is gone, she wants to tell the story she never had the chance or courage to tell when she was alive.

    Hannah Baker appeared to everyone like an ordinary girl but underneath that mask lived a troubled soul.  Her life was filled with people who let her down, whether that be something told to her face, or a rumor started behind her back.  She wanted the people who impacted her life to know how they slowly broke her down, bit by bit.  So Hannah creates a set of 7 tapes with 13 sides, with each side telling the story of her experience with a different person.  The tapes are then sent to each person on the list with the following instructions: listen to them all and pass them on to the next person.  This book is told from the perspective of Clay Jensen, one of the people who receives the tapes.  Throughout the book we see how he came to terms with Hannah's death.

    Reading this book was incredibly eye-opening for me, and a much-needed reminder of the impact our actions have on others.  From the smallest deeds to the largest events, we never know what our behaviour can mean to someone.  Hannah's story, though not true, is still a reflection of what others have gone through and I hope it reminds us to be a little kinder and more attentive to the feelings of others.

To place this book on hold, click here.

Remarkably Bright Creatures

 By Shelby Van Pelt

Adult Fiction

Reviewed by Alvina from the Altona Branch

    This book tells the story of Tova, a seventy year old lady who has never gotten over losing her son.  She cleans an aquarium after hours and makes an unexpected friend in a mischievous Pacific octopus named Marcellus.  The octopus is coming to the end of his life cycle but longs for the ocean where he was free.  As he reveals his secrets and treasures to Tova, the pieces of this story all come together.

    I loved this book! The chapters written from the point of view of the octopus left me laughing and wishing for more.  

    Favourite quote by Marcellus: "Humans, for the most part, you are dull and blundering.  But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures."

    If you like this book, be sure to try Lessons in Chemistry as well.

To place this book on hold, click here.

Five Survive

By Holly Jackson

Young Adult Fiction

Reviewed by Rachael from the Altona Branch

    Five friends set out from Philadelphia to the Gulf Shore on an epic road trip for Spring Break, and things do not go as planned.  The 31 foot RV they have borrowed is especially large and can be hard to navigate.  When they end up going down the wrong path, they become stranded on a desolate road, late at night, with no help in sight.  After figuring out a plan to turn around and get out of their predicament, they realize their flat tire was not an accident and they now have an active shooter outside the RV that will not allow them to leave.  The shooter says one of the occupants of the RV has a secret, a secret to die for, and unless they come clean, no one will get out alive.  The five friends must figure out who's keeping the secret if they want to make it through the night.

    I liked that this was a fast-paced novel. The characters are rounded out quickly and as you continue to read, you find out more and more about them.  It's very apparent that every person in the RV has a secret they do not want to divulge that they think could be the reason the shooter is after them.  There is a real twist at the end, which makes this a very entertaining read.  If you like fast-paced thrillers, you will probably want to check this book out!

To place this book on hold, click here.

The Ivies

 By Alexa Donne

Young Adult Fiction

Reviewed by Kaylee from the Altona Branch

    The Ivies is about a group of girls who will do anything to get into and Ivy League school.  When one of them turns up dead, an investigation is launched and everyone is a suspect.  On the hunt for a killer, the girls learn about secrets and lies, and do whatever they can to find out who killed their friend.

    The Ivies wasn't a predictable mystery and I like that while I was reading it, I never knew where the story was going. This book kept me on the edge of my seat.  I didn't want to put the book down because I needed to know who the killer was.

To place this book on hold, click here.

Cosmos

 By Carl Sagan

Adult Non Fiction

Reviewed by Michelle from the Altona Branch

    Written in 1980, but feels like it was written yesterday! Carl Sagan's Cosmos is an enthralling science book that felt like a story.  He covers many topics from evolution, the big bang, natural selection, elements, nuclear fusion and even the power of the written word.

    This book was so incredibly easy to read and completely amused the nerd in me.  Even if you aren't a science enthusiast, you will probably find this book fascinating!  Would absolutely recommend!

To place this book on hold, click here. (ebook)