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General Recommendations
@TheRomanV of The Hamilton Public Library's Teen Review Board
By:
t
TEENREVIEWCREW
Hamilton Public Library
Community-created list
Check out items reviewed by @TheRomanV, a Teen Review Board volunteer at the Hamilton Public Library.
By:
t
TEENREVIEWCREW
Hamilton Public Library
10 items
10 items
Book - 2005
The author of the book “Fight Club,” Chuck Palahniuk, has an interesting use of language to get the reader to create an image in the reader’s mind. Chuck’...Show more
The author of the book “Fight Club,” Chuck Palahniuk, has an interesting use of language to get the reader to create an image in the reader’s mind. Chuck’s use of language creates a specific effect for the reader. He affected the reader through language, intellectually, imaginatively, emotionally and affected me physically. Chuck uses diction and imagery in his writing to affect the readers. These techniques tied with the unique plot story blended extremely well together. The character development was amazing with the main character being in change all the way till the end. The little mysteries and inferences got me really engaged as a reader. I simply couldn’t put the book down, and let me tell you, it was worth it all the way till the end. I would give this a 4.5 / 5 stars. I wouldn't give it the full 5 out of 5 stars because of the plot being a little confusing or dull at times. Keep in mind Chuck Palahniuk has a very unique writing style and it does need some getting used to, although, when you’ve figured it out it is a very fun must-read.
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The author of the book “Fight Club,” Chuck Palahniuk, has an interesting use of language to get the reader to create an image in the reader’s mind. Chuck’...Show more
The author of the book “Fight Club,” Chuck Palahniuk, has an interesting use of language to get the reader to create an image in the reader’s mind. Chuck’s use of language creates a specific effect for the reader. He affected the reader through language, intellectually, imaginatively, emotionally and affected me physically. Chuck uses diction and imagery in his writing to affect the readers. These techniques tied with the unique plot story blended extremely well together. The character development was amazing with the main character being in change all the way till the end. The little mysteries and inferences got me really engaged as a reader. I simply couldn’t put the book down, and let me tell you, it was worth it all the way till the end. I would give this a 4.5 / 5 stars. I wouldn't give it the full 5 out of 5 stars because of the plot being a little confusing or dull at times. Keep in mind Chuck Palahniuk has a very unique writing style and it does need some getting used to, although, when you’ve figured it out it is a very fun must-read.
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Book - 2011
The book “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson is a fast but emotionally touching read. The story is about a girl who is suffering from mental health issues du...Show more
The book “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson is a fast but emotionally touching read. The story is about a girl who is suffering from mental health issues due to events taking place from an end of summer party. She seems to be a victim for something that wasn’t her fault therefore being framed or blamed, this with a series of event teaches the readers about women and their problems with sexual assault and mental health effects from sexual assaults. It shows what others think of her including her friends and family.She is clearly in need of help and the book narrates all of it. This has an amazing meaning behind the story and is a great fast read for someone to pick up. There were often really descriptive rambling going on which I didn't like. I would rate this book a 4/5 and recommend it to any teenagers looking for a fast, simple, and engaging read.
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The book “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson is a fast but emotionally touching read. The story is about a girl who is suffering from mental health issues du...Show more
The book “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson is a fast but emotionally touching read. The story is about a girl who is suffering from mental health issues due to events taking place from an end of summer party. She seems to be a victim for something that wasn’t her fault therefore being framed or blamed, this with a series of event teaches the readers about women and their problems with sexual assault and mental health effects from sexual assaults. It shows what others think of her including her friends and family.She is clearly in need of help and the book narrates all of it. This has an amazing meaning behind the story and is a great fast read for someone to pick up. There were often really descriptive rambling going on which I didn't like. I would rate this book a 4/5 and recommend it to any teenagers looking for a fast, simple, and engaging read.
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eBook - 2009
The book “Through Black Spruce” By Joseph Boyden was an extreme adventure! Disregarding the controversial history behind the author’s heritage, the plot i...Show more
The book “Through Black Spruce” By Joseph Boyden was an extreme adventure! Disregarding the controversial history behind the author’s heritage, the plot is extremely creative and a wonderful part of Joseph’s loose trilogy. The creative part of Joseph Boyden’s book, is that it introduces two point of views from two different related characters. They have similar character traits and have a different outlook on modern life. The book beautifully portrays different themes, including identity, nature, family, and Indigenous culture. The setting is in Canada. The book shows a struggle of keeping a code-switch between the modern world and the history of Indigenous heritage. The process the book followed was random at times. The plot has many symbols that are very deep and connecting towards the identity of the characters. Although the book seemed to have some holes in the plot, the book was a great read from start to finish and I look forward to reading the loose trilogy altogether. I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars. This novel was a 4 stars nothing more nothing less. The creativity of HAVING two point of views that were altering from the chapter to chapter really boosted it’s score. It would’ve reached a 5 if the plot was a little less confusing and more complete.
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The book “Through Black Spruce” By Joseph Boyden was an extreme adventure! Disregarding the controversial history behind the author’s heritage, the plot i...Show more
The book “Through Black Spruce” By Joseph Boyden was an extreme adventure! Disregarding the controversial history behind the author’s heritage, the plot is extremely creative and a wonderful part of Joseph’s loose trilogy. The creative part of Joseph Boyden’s book, is that it introduces two point of views from two different related characters. They have similar character traits and have a different outlook on modern life. The book beautifully portrays different themes, including identity, nature, family, and Indigenous culture. The setting is in Canada. The book shows a struggle of keeping a code-switch between the modern world and the history of Indigenous heritage. The process the book followed was random at times. The plot has many symbols that are very deep and connecting towards the identity of the characters. Although the book seemed to have some holes in the plot, the book was a great read from start to finish and I look forward to reading the loose trilogy altogether. I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars. This novel was a 4 stars nothing more nothing less. The creativity of HAVING two point of views that were altering from the chapter to chapter really boosted it’s score. It would’ve reached a 5 if the plot was a little less confusing and more complete.
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by Green, John
Book - 2008
The book “Paper Towns” by John Green was an average but interesting story. I believe the character development was enjoyable. The plot was very predictabl...Show more
The book “Paper Towns” by John Green was an average but interesting story. I believe the character development was enjoyable. The plot was very predictable and pretty much a cliché. I believe the ride to get there was better than the destination. By that statement I mean the ending wasn’t as fulfilling as the buildup with the plot was. The story line was the only thing that was keeping the book down. After reading this book I was left with no new knowledge, no moral, no lesson. I don’t always seek for a lesson to learn after a book but this book from start to finish made it seem like that was the goal. Quentin was an extremely boring character, this was the goal for the author but the dialogue with him made it seem like reading it was a chore. I would give this book really like it,a 2.5/5, I understand it is a very popular book but in the end , I think readers will love it, or hate it.
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The book “Paper Towns” by John Green was an average but interesting story. I believe the character development was enjoyable. The plot was very predictabl...Show more
The book “Paper Towns” by John Green was an average but interesting story. I believe the character development was enjoyable. The plot was very predictable and pretty much a cliché. I believe the ride to get there was better than the destination. By that statement I mean the ending wasn’t as fulfilling as the buildup with the plot was. The story line was the only thing that was keeping the book down. After reading this book I was left with no new knowledge, no moral, no lesson. I don’t always seek for a lesson to learn after a book but this book from start to finish made it seem like that was the goal. Quentin was an extremely boring character, this was the goal for the author but the dialogue with him made it seem like reading it was a chore. I would give this book really like it,a 2.5/5, I understand it is a very popular book but in the end , I think readers will love it, or hate it.
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DVD - 2019
The film “Through Black Spruce” directed by Don McKellar and written by Babara Samuels, was a disappointing experience. This movie would be average but it...Show more
The film “Through Black Spruce” directed by Don McKellar and written by Babara Samuels, was a disappointing experience. This movie would be average but it had high expectations because of the successful book it was based off of. The creative and unique part of the book was all dropped during the movie. Babara’s screenplay completely dilutes the unique difference in perspectives the book had, and instead, takes a more limited approach with the plot. The action was not as descriptive and often confusing. The movie did have some touching emotional parts but the acting felt very tense and awkward. Although these downsides the plot does create a strong provoking story and introduced the plot pretty clearly. I would give this a 2.5/5 stars due to the reasoning of not living up to the hype of the book.
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The film “Through Black Spruce” directed by Don McKellar and written by Babara Samuels, was a disappointing experience. This movie would be average but it...Show more
The film “Through Black Spruce” directed by Don McKellar and written by Babara Samuels, was a disappointing experience. This movie would be average but it had high expectations because of the successful book it was based off of. The creative and unique part of the book was all dropped during the movie. Babara’s screenplay completely dilutes the unique difference in perspectives the book had, and instead, takes a more limited approach with the plot. The action was not as descriptive and often confusing. The movie did have some touching emotional parts but the acting felt very tense and awkward. Although these downsides the plot does create a strong provoking story and introduced the plot pretty clearly. I would give this a 2.5/5 stars due to the reasoning of not living up to the hype of the book.
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A Novel
Book - 2014
The book “All the Light We Cannot See” by Doerr, Anthony has a unique story. The writing is written beautifully and enhances the reading experience tremen...Show more
The book “All the Light We Cannot See” by Doerr, Anthony has a unique story. The writing is written beautifully and enhances the reading experience tremendously. It jumps back and forth in time, and between two perspectives. This book has a main plot but sometimes it can be confusing due to the reasoning there is so much going on at once. The book had a lot of little scenes and stories that were very well put together. These little stories and scenes are the reason why I kept reading the book. The character development is extremely well done and detailed. The book is very dependent on it’s writing style, and rightfully so. Doerr does an amazing job when talking between two perspectives. The ending is so worth the entire book. I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars. It loses half a star because of slight confusion during the constant switching between characters. Nevertheless the book was beautifully crafted and really allowed me to be constantly focused during the entire book.
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The book “All the Light We Cannot See” by Doerr, Anthony has a unique story. The writing is written beautifully and enhances the reading experience tremen...Show more
The book “All the Light We Cannot See” by Doerr, Anthony has a unique story. The writing is written beautifully and enhances the reading experience tremendously. It jumps back and forth in time, and between two perspectives. This book has a main plot but sometimes it can be confusing due to the reasoning there is so much going on at once. The book had a lot of little scenes and stories that were very well put together. These little stories and scenes are the reason why I kept reading the book. The character development is extremely well done and detailed. The book is very dependent on it’s writing style, and rightfully so. Doerr does an amazing job when talking between two perspectives. The ending is so worth the entire book. I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars. It loses half a star because of slight confusion during the constant switching between characters. Nevertheless the book was beautifully crafted and really allowed me to be constantly focused during the entire book.
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DVD - 2020
The movie “1917” directed by Sam Mendes, tells a story about two soldiers who are sent across enemy lines during World War 1 to send a message, in order t...Show more
The movie “1917” directed by Sam Mendes, tells a story about two soldiers who are sent across enemy lines during World War 1 to send a message, in order to save lives. This movie is extremely immersive. The film’s camera work is very unique and smooth. The whole movie is recorded to represent one shot to allow the watcher to feel a more immersive journey with the two soldiers. The movie has amazing production and pin-point accuracy from the costumes to the scenes and sets they were walking on. Everything felt really tense and extremely real. The movie has a lot of suspense and gives the feeling like there is danger constantly. Although the plot and camera work was so impressive the character development was dull. The character development wasn’t very intriguing. Although the characters are going through tragedies I didn’t have the vision that I was mentally close to them. This lack of emotional connection to the characters brings my rating down to 4 out of 5 stars. Overall it’s an amazing experience that deserves credit for it’s amazing film making.
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The movie “1917” directed by Sam Mendes, tells a story about two soldiers who are sent across enemy lines during World War 1 to send a message, in order t...Show more
The movie “1917” directed by Sam Mendes, tells a story about two soldiers who are sent across enemy lines during World War 1 to send a message, in order to save lives. This movie is extremely immersive. The film’s camera work is very unique and smooth. The whole movie is recorded to represent one shot to allow the watcher to feel a more immersive journey with the two soldiers. The movie has amazing production and pin-point accuracy from the costumes to the scenes and sets they were walking on. Everything felt really tense and extremely real. The movie has a lot of suspense and gives the feeling like there is danger constantly. Although the plot and camera work was so impressive the character development was dull. The character development wasn’t very intriguing. Although the characters are going through tragedies I didn’t have the vision that I was mentally close to them. This lack of emotional connection to the characters brings my rating down to 4 out of 5 stars. Overall it’s an amazing experience that deserves credit for it’s amazing film making.
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DVD - 2020
The movie “Parasite” directed by Bong Joon-ho was a masterpiece. Bong Joon-ho is truly a skilled director and it shows in this movie. He has a beautiful s...Show more
The movie “Parasite” directed by Bong Joon-ho was a masterpiece. Bong Joon-ho is truly a skilled director and it shows in this movie. He has a beautiful style for cinema and has an intriguing talent of introducing suspense in a movie. This movie made me feel comfortable as a viewer as I watched the plot unfold just waiting for the next thing to happen. I didn’t want the movie to end. Many moments throughout the movie, I had points of realization which made me appreciate the movie even more. The movie is extremely clever. This movie clearly deserves the hype as its use of camera and cinematography was absolutely perfect for the plot. The acting was phenomenal and comfortable. The filmmaker explores social issues in an interesting comedic yet gory fashion. I would give this movie a 5/5 rating. Brilliant work.
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The movie “Parasite” directed by Bong Joon-ho was a masterpiece. Bong Joon-ho is truly a skilled director and it shows in this movie. He has a beautiful s...Show more
The movie “Parasite” directed by Bong Joon-ho was a masterpiece. Bong Joon-ho is truly a skilled director and it shows in this movie. He has a beautiful style for cinema and has an intriguing talent of introducing suspense in a movie. This movie made me feel comfortable as a viewer as I watched the plot unfold just waiting for the next thing to happen. I didn’t want the movie to end. Many moments throughout the movie, I had points of realization which made me appreciate the movie even more. The movie is extremely clever. This movie clearly deserves the hype as its use of camera and cinematography was absolutely perfect for the plot. The acting was phenomenal and comfortable. The filmmaker explores social issues in an interesting comedic yet gory fashion. I would give this movie a 5/5 rating. Brilliant work.
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A Novel
Book - 2018
The book “Circe” by Madeline Miller is an intelligent novel with a unique outlook of the mythical goddess that is Circe. I am a Greek mythology fan and th...Show more
The book “Circe” by Madeline Miller is an intelligent novel with a unique outlook of the mythical goddess that is Circe. I am a Greek mythology fan and this was one of the best books I've read. The slow start introduces knowledge for all audiences just for the second half to engulf you in action. This author Madeline, did an extravagant job establishing a different perspective for Circe. The character development was near perfect. The book often has an emotional appeal. The characters are also described very vibrantly with information on their backstory and connection the main character, Circe, herself. The book also had a character list for anyone new to Greek Mythology. This page includes all characters that were significant to the story and some relations to the others. The themes are extremely easy to follow and are also very engaging for the readers. I found myself always trying to read an extra page and always found it hard to put the book down. I would rate this addictive novel a 5/5. This is my first 5/5 book, and it clearly deserves just from my astonishing, breath-taking experience alone.
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The book “Circe” by Madeline Miller is an intelligent novel with a unique outlook of the mythical goddess that is Circe. I am a Greek mythology fan and th...Show more
The book “Circe” by Madeline Miller is an intelligent novel with a unique outlook of the mythical goddess that is Circe. I am a Greek mythology fan and this was one of the best books I've read. The slow start introduces knowledge for all audiences just for the second half to engulf you in action. This author Madeline, did an extravagant job establishing a different perspective for Circe. The character development was near perfect. The book often has an emotional appeal. The characters are also described very vibrantly with information on their backstory and connection the main character, Circe, herself. The book also had a character list for anyone new to Greek Mythology. This page includes all characters that were significant to the story and some relations to the others. The themes are extremely easy to follow and are also very engaging for the readers. I found myself always trying to read an extra page and always found it hard to put the book down. I would rate this addictive novel a 5/5. This is my first 5/5 book, and it clearly deserves just from my astonishing, breath-taking experience alone.
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Book - 2011
The book “The Book of Negros” by Lawernce Hill is based on a true story and tells the story of Aminata. Aminata is a young girl who is abducted at 11 and ...Show more
The book “The Book of Negros” by Lawernce Hill is based on a true story and tells the story of Aminata. Aminata is a young girl who is abducted at 11 and is a witness of the slave revolt. The book talks about the hardships she goes through. This book was easy to read and the plot was long but enjoyable. The dialogue never seems to get stale. The main character, Aminata, is a very powerful character that you get very immersed in. Although, containing some mature parts, I believe this book is great for teenagers. It is informative, has great immersion and introduces many new styles of plot. This book really captures the reader's attention with it’s emotional appeal. I had an emotional roller coaster reading this book. This book has a lot of commitment required. The plot is very clear, and extremely understandable. This book gets 4 out of 5 stars from me. It was a wonderful and powerful story that really allowed for an emotional response as a reader.
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The book “The Book of Negros” by Lawernce Hill is based on a true story and tells the story of Aminata. Aminata is a young girl who is abducted at 11 and ...Show more
The book “The Book of Negros” by Lawernce Hill is based on a true story and tells the story of Aminata. Aminata is a young girl who is abducted at 11 and is a witness of the slave revolt. The book talks about the hardships she goes through. This book was easy to read and the plot was long but enjoyable. The dialogue never seems to get stale. The main character, Aminata, is a very powerful character that you get very immersed in. Although, containing some mature parts, I believe this book is great for teenagers. It is informative, has great immersion and introduces many new styles of plot. This book really captures the reader's attention with it’s emotional appeal. I had an emotional roller coaster reading this book. This book has a lot of commitment required. The plot is very clear, and extremely understandable. This book gets 4 out of 5 stars from me. It was a wonderful and powerful story that really allowed for an emotional response as a reader.
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