The Chocolate Wars by Robert Cormier

The Chocolate War

Does Jerry Renault dare to disturb the universe? You wouldn't think that his refusal to sell chocolates during his school's fundraiser would create such a stir, but it does; it's as if the whole school comes apart at the seams. To some, Jerry is a hero, but to others, he becomes a scapegoat--a target for their pent-up hatred. And Jerry? He's just trying to stand up for what he believes, but perhaps there is no way for him to escape becoming a pawn in this game of control; students are pitted against other students, fighting for honor--or are they fighting for their lives? In 1974, author Robert Cormier dared to disturb our universe when this book was first published. And now, with a new introduction by the celebrated author,The Chocolate War stands ready to shock a new group of teen readers.

I had to read this for school and I was surprised at how good it was. I was also surprised that in my strict Catholic school, they'd allow a book like this where it's shown masturbation and similar topics.

I liked the concept of the book and although it was a bit slow at first, I enjoyed it. The only thing that I'd say negative is that I felt like I didn't know the characters. None of them really grew by the end of the book and they all felt a bit distant.

The book is a bit dated but there's nothing really to give it away.

In one sentence:
"Better than you would ever think."

Plot: 4
Characters: 3
Writing: 5
Cover: 3
Overall Feeling: 4
Average: 3.8 stars

Take Me There by Susane Colasanti

Take Me There

In one short week . . . three lives change.

Rhiannon is devastated after the breakup with her boyfriend and wants him back. Nicoles ex is still in the picture, but she can't help having a new crush. James and Rhiannon are just friends, though he may try to take it to the next level. Will their desire to take a mean girl down a notch bring these three friends what they want . . . and more?

Take Me There is written in three different POV of Rhiannon, James, and Nicole. It is so awesomely written, it's like it was stolen right from the high school hallways. The dialogue and the narrative is witty, humorous, touching, and comforting all at once. My sister actually bought this book and she was gushing all over it and since she's three years younger, I didn't want to read it. Just because of that. But I was bored and I gave it a chance. Thank God!

Rhiannon is more like me, she freaks out and obsesses easily yet she loves her friends and is just a great person. I loved her Top 5 Lists and you know what? I started my own Top 5 journal which isn't as cool but you know, that's how I roll.

James was my next favorite, he was honest and so likable. It really felt like I was reading from a male point of view. I really liked him and how he interacted with Rhiannon, everything between them just flowed beautifully, it didn't feel forced or anything.


Nicole was...okay. I didn't like her as much and she was a bit weird sometimes but then I understood why (it took me a while) and I started liking her more, too bad she already made a bad impression. Curiously, though, my sister's favorite parts where Nicole's (again, my sister is called Nicole, though).

I loved how the plot flowed almost effortlessly. What most kept me reading was how something important happened at the end of the narration of each character and then BAM! it is switched to the next character which, of course, made me read more to answer previous questions and to get back on the mystery of one character. It was a bit confusing at first but, other than that, I loved it.

In one sentence:
"A beautiful novel with character you won't soon forget."

Plot: 5
Characters: 4
Writing: 5
Cover: 4
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 4.6