Tuesday, January 18, 2011

I am Number Four


Hunted his entire life, Number Four has lived with the knowledge that he is safe. Safe until Number One, Number Two, and Number Three are killed. Then it happens. They caught Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya. They killed them all. 

His planet was attacked when he was just a toddler. He fled with his adult Cepean-charged with his safety and helping him as his special abilities begin to show. His life was spent on the run, hoping that the Mogadorians that attacked his planet and destroyed its resources, won't find him-or the others. He finally settles in as John Smith and lives in rural Ohio, leading a fairly normal life. That is, until he is discovered.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, with its fast action and interesting plot line. I was able to spot influences by superheroes-specifically Superman. The idea of a race depleting and destroying their planet, and invading other peace-loving planets, hints to concerns of ecology and war. This books will be a quick read for most anyone.

Monday, January 17, 2011

After

After a school shooting in nearby Pleasant Valley, everyone at Tom Bishop's school, Central High, is a little on edge. When Central starts to up safety expectations, adding metal detectors at the door, most people don't like it but go along. Then Dr. Willard, the new and extremely stern guidance counselor begins pushing the rules into the bizarre-no wearing the color red, random drug tests, and more-Tom knows things are not as they seem. Kids that are labeled trouble-makers are sent to "rehabilitation camps", so Tom keeps his mouth shut. When some of those kids don't ever make it home, he knows it is time to get out of Central for good.


After by Francine Prose is a book that isn't for everyone. It is for the readers who enjoy thinking and puzzling about a world that doesn't quite fit. It has some action, but that isn't the base of the book. I enjoy it because it really takes your mind into the "what if" places-What if this happened at my school? What would people say? Who would be sent away? Who would just walk with their heads down? Who would stand up?