BOOKS ABOUT UFOs

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Reading Log #20 - Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

April 5, 2019

Review: 3.5/5

Levine, G. C. (1999). Ella enchanted. New York, NY: Scholastic Books

Summary

At birth, Ella of Frell is bestowed with the curse of obedience by the fairy Lucinda. She cannot disobey a direct order given to her no matter the circumstance, even if it places her in grave danger. Her mother, Lady Eleanor, and a fairy godmother named Mandy look after Ella through childhood, but her mother dies when Ella is fifteen years old. She must learn to navigate her life with the curse of obedience as she is sent to boarding school with her two half-sisters, while also becoming the person she wants to be for the rest of her life.

Relation

Ella Enchanted is a retelling of the story of Cinderella that shares both similarities and differences with the original tale. It has also been adapted into a major motion picture starring Anne Hathaway, and spawned several sequels.

Appeal

Due to its magical and fantastical setting, the book is appealing to those looking to escape the confines of reality and modernity. It is both comical and light-hearted, so readers are not faced with many frightening situations.

Audience/Readership

Ella Enchanted is appropriate for ages 11 and above, due to comical violence. With parental guidance, younger readers would be able to enjoy the story as well.

Reading Log #19 - The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

April 1, 2019

Review: 4/5

Zusak, M. (2006). The book thief. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf.

Summary

Liesel lives in Nazi Germany in 1939 when she discovers a book partially covered in the snow. It is called The Gravedigger’s Handbook that was left behind by accident, and so Liesel begins a life of book thievery as she learns and loves to read. Her foster family begins to harbour a Jewish person in their basement, unbeknownst to the Nazi occupation. Her life is thrown into danger as books are burned and stolen by Liesel, and her family becomes at-risk.

Relation

The Book Thief is one of the most popular period dramas written in the 21st century. Detailing the lives of those living in Nazi-occupied Germany, its storyline finds similarities to other tales like The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne and Number the Stars by Lois Lowry.

Appeal

It is both a dark and accessible account of the Holocaust, and a good launching point to better understand the horrors of a dark period of Western history.

Audience/Readership

Universally-celebrated, The Book Thief is a great read for all ages. Due to the nature of its content, I would recommend readers be of high school age or older to fully understand the nuances and complexity.

Reading (Magazine) Log #18 - Teen Vogue

March 30, 2019

Review: N/A

Condé Nast. (2019). Teen vogue. Retrieved from https://www.teenvogue.com/

Summary

Teen Vogue is a magazine aimed at young adults, and primarily the sector of young women between the ages of 13-18. Its content focuses on pop culture, fashion, news and politics, beauty, wellness, entertainment, and more. 

Relation

Over the years, Teen Vogue has become a vocal supporter of teen politics in the social media age. Its mission statement is “The young person’s guide to conquering (and saving) the world.” It has been lauded for its progressive stances on sexuality, gender and racial identity, and activism.

Appeal

Though the content is tailored to a specific audience, its appeal spans beyond many areas to become relevant for a variety of interests. If you’re looking for more information about how to become politically-involved or want the lowdown on the latest Netflix series, Teen Vogue has coverage for both.

Audience/Readership

Like its appeal, the audience of Teen Vogue is similarly varied since its coverage is so vast. The audience appeals primarily to young adults in their teen years, however it is equally examined by those in their early twenties as well.

Reading (Blog) Log #17 - Scribbles & Stories by Alex

March 28, 2019

Review: N/A

Scribbles & Stories. (2019). Scribbles & stories. Retrieved from https://scribblesnstories.wordpress.com/

Summary

Alex is the brains behind Scribbles & Stories, a blog dedicated to works aimed at teens. Alex likes to keep up with her favourite and latest books, writing projects, and highlighting things from the world of reading from her home in California.

Relation

According to BookRiot, Alex has multiple sections on her blog dedicated to “What I Didn’t Like,” “What I Felt Ambivalent About,” and “What I Loved” to provide different perspectives on books and writings. She is an honest YA blogger who speaks honestly and openly.

Appeal

Alex’s blog is appealing for readers of all ages. She is a younger teen, so the books she focuses upon are typically suitable for the younger end of YA readership.

Audience/Readership

Anyone who likes YA books will find value and honesty in Scribbles & Stories, especially those looking for coverage on independent works and mainstream books.

Reading (Blog) Log #16 - Reading Hysterically by Rubab Wahab

March 26, 2019

Review: N/A

Wahab, R. (2019). Reading hysterically. Retrieved from https://ahystericalreader.wordpress.com/

Summary

Reading Hysterically is a blog run by Rubab Wahab that focuses on books of all kinds. They frequently write about popular book characters and events in media, such as posts on “Characters I Would Avenge” inspired by the release of Avengers: Endgame.

Relation

According to BookRiot, Wahab is a young teen blogger based out of Pakistan, and provides colourful and diverse content on their blog.

Appeal

Wahab’s blog would appeal to anyone who enjoys reading books in the popular discourse of YA fiction. Posts are accessible and updated often, so there is always something to read on their blog.

Audience/Readership

Since Wahab is also a teenager, the blog is a breath of fresh air to view teen’s experiences with YA fiction firsthand. Readers of any age should have no trouble enjoying their blog.

Reading Log #15 - Barometer Rising by Hugh MacLennan

March 25, 2019

Review: 3/5

MacLennan, H. (1941). Barometer rising. New York, NY: Duell, Sloan & Pearce.

Summary

During the week of the Halifax Explosion in 1917, Penny and her family are worried that her cousin Neil has been killed while serving in the infantry, under the disgrace of desertion. In reality, Neil has returned to Halifax to clear his name of the tarnish imposed by Colonel Wain. As the week progresses, the explosion draws nearer as the family members attempt to reunite.

Relation

Barometer Rising is Hugh MacLennan’s first published novel and viewed as one of the quintessential books in the New Canadian Library. It was contested by the Manitoba School Trustees Association in 1960 for possessing “vulgarity in the use of language” in the novel. 

Appeal

As an important cornerstone in Canadian literature, Barometer Rising is an important novel to give setting to the East Coast of Canada in a crucial point of the nation’s history. 

Audience/Readership

The book is relatively accessible for all audiences and will mostly serve the interests of those looking for period drama. Those over the ages of 13 will enjoy the book the best.

Reading Log #14 - The Hunger Games (Series) by Suzanne Collins

March 22, 2019

Review: 4/5

Collins, S. (2008). The hunger games. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Collins, S. (2009). Catching fire. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Collins, S. (2010). Mockingjay. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Summary

In a dystopic ruin of North America now known as Panem, the rich and powerful Capitol is surrounded by twelve districts of varying wealth and industry. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12, the poorest district in the nation, and struggles to make ends meet with her mother and sister. When her younger sister is selected in the draw for The Hunger Games, a death match among districts hosted by the Capitol to help enforce control over the nation, Katniss volunteers in her stead and now must fight the odds to survive.

Relation

The Hunger Games is one of the most popular young adult franchises, having spawned four major motion pictures starring Jennifer Lawrence. The film has been compared favourably to classics like The Lord of the Flies and also spawned an interest in a wave of similar titles, such as the Divergent series.

Appeal

The Hunger Games series mostly focuses on the trials of Katniss Everdeen and her journey to the Capitol, adventures in the Hunger Games themselves, and her relationships with Peeta and Gale. Action, adventure, political unrest, romance, and self-discovery are all addressed over the course of the three books.

Audience/Readership

The success of The Hunger Games books and movies has demonstrated that it is a universally-loved series with fans of all ages. The content is dark but is addressed in an accessible manner that readers of almost any age will be able to enjoy Katniss’ journey.

Reading (Album) Log #13 - WHEN WE FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? by Billie Eilish

March 20, 2019

Review: 3.5/5

O’Connell, B. E. (2019). When we fall asleep, where do we go?. [Produced by Finneas O’Connell; Digital recording]. Santa Monica, CA: Interscope.

Summary

WHEN WE FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? is the debut studio record from American recording artist Billie EIlish. The album is a pop record influenced by darker themes, deep basslines, and gothic aesthetics that follows the trials and anxieties that inhabit every teenager.

Relation

Among current pop musicians, Billie Eilish is heavily influenced by other artists such as Lana Del Rey, Lorde and Florence + the Machine.

Appeal

Eilish has been building buzz and interest among listeners of all ages due to a collection of popular singles, including “you should see me in a crown,” “when the party’s over,” and “bury a friend.” Teenagers have been explicitly vocal in their support in Eilish, saying that her lyrical content is an honest representation of their own struggles in adolescence.

Audience/Readership

Eilish’s singles have impacted the Billboard Hot 100, charting as high as #14 with “bury a friend.” She has pierced the pop cultural consciousness and listeners of all ages are now aware of her work, so she appeals to all ages. Her lyrical content appeals primarily to teenagers between 13-18.

Reading Log #12 - The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

March 16, 2019

Review: 3/5

Williams, C. L. (2009). The chosen one. New York, NY: St. Martin’s Griffin.

Summary

Kyra lives in an isolated community where her father has three wives. She also has twenty brothers and sisters. She lives a life without questioning too much until she begins to read banned book at a local Library on Wheels, and meeting a boy named Joshua. She has to learn to choose between what she wants, and what is chosen for her by her family and community.

Relation

Like other popular media concentrated on female characters in toxic patriarchal settings like The Handmaid’s Tale, The Chosen One also navigates a similar environment.

Appeal

It is a young adult novel with an emphasis on high action and low readership, so readers at any level should be able to follow Kyra’s journey. It navigates darker themes, so it may not be for audiences who are easily frightened.

Audience/Readership

This book is aimed at young adults, though the content matter is timely and accessible for all age groups.

Reading (Website) Log #11 - Book Riot by Riot New Media Group

March 12, 2019

Review: N/A

Riot New Media Group. (2019). Book riot. Retrieved from https://bookriot.com/

Summary

Book Riot is a website that publishes regular contributions on various books and readings from all different types of backgrounds. They are predicated on a foundation that aims to be non-judgemental and non-pretentious as book lovers come in all different forms.

Relation

It is similar to other book-focused media website. Its core material usually shares both mainstream and under-the-radar books that readers should be checking out.

Appeal

The website would appeal to avid readers, though casual readers may also enjoy it. 

Audience/Readership

Book Riot does not specifically state who their readership is, but they have a section on young adult novels. I think this website would appeal to readers of all ages, including teenagers.

Reading (Website) Log #10 - Based on the Book by Mid-Continent Public Library

March 8, 2019

Review: N/A

Mid-Continent Public Library. (2019). Based on the book. Retrieved from https://www.mymcpl.org/books-movies-music/read/based-on-the-book

Summary

The Based on the Book webpage is a compilation of over 1,400 titles spanning novels, short stories, poems, and plays that have been made into motion pictures over time. It uses data from the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) to measure all English-language feature-length releases since the 1980s.

Relation

Since it is powered by IMDb, this website can serve as a starting point for young adults looking for books that have been adapted into motion pictures. It can then be viewed by a variety of methods, such as title, release year, book title, book author, and more. In this vein, it is similar to other websites that help users decide what to watch, such as What Movie Should I Watch Tonight?

Appeal

The Based on the Book compilation is made by a public library, so it is highly organized and can be compared favourably to other databases typically constructed by libraries. It is easy to search and can use different search strategies to find results, so it is highly accessible.

Audience/Readership

Though the website was shared by the Dover Public Library as a website for teenagers to use, it could be accessed by anyone interested in the connections between books and movies. There is no genre filter or limit on what books/movies are covered, so it is not explicitly focused on YA only.

Reading Log #9 - Tarcadia by Jonathan Campbell

March 4, 2019

Review: 3/5

Campbell, J. (2004). Tarcadia. Kentville, NS: Gaspereau Press.

Summary

Michael Chisholm is a fourteen-year-old boy in Sydney, Cape Breton, NS who lives with his parents, Rory and Gloria, and spends time with his siblings, particularly his older brother Sid. Michael and Sid build a raft with two of their friends one day, and over the course of their summer and school year, learn the ups and downs of coming-of-age. It isn’t a smooth transition as the boys quickly face tragedy against the backdrop of a coal mining town in the 1970s.

Relation

Tarcadia is a typical coming-of-age story in the vein of Stephen King’s Stand By Me, but is unique in its setting of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia. 

Appeal

The author is very keen to describe how the setting of a rural industrial town can affect the attitudes and upbringing of its central characters. It includes destinations like the tar ponds, railway yard, warehouses, docks, scrap piles, steel plant and used car lot that comprise the city of Sydney at this time.

Audience/Readership

Though not specifically written as a young adult novel, Tarcadia is appealing to young readers as it centres on the experiences of a teenage boy grappling with the realities of growing up. The content is not too frightening, but with the length of the novel reaching 247 pages, the book is recommended for readers aged 13 and up.

Reading Log #8 - All We Can Do Is Wait Give by Richard Lawson

Februrary 26, 2019

Review: 3/5

Lawson, R. (2018). All we can do is wait. New York, NY: Razorbill.

Summary

A group of teenagers are thrust together as they must navigate personal struggles and ghosts of their past as they await victims of a bridge crash that occurs in Boston one fateful night. Jason, Alexa, Scott and Skyler are all battling their own demons, but together they learn to cope and build towards a more promising future.

Relation

The novel draws heavily on the prospect of early death for the victims of the bus crash, and so the characters that the novel focuses upon must confront grief in order to move on. It is similar to other novels such as The Both Die At the End and History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera in its handling of grief.

Appeal

All We Can Do Is Wait is moving in its portrayal of teenagers in crisis, however it does not present any novel ideas in revolutionizing how their grief is handled. The plotlines feel as though they were lifted from a number of teenage dramas and soap operas such as Degrassi and Grey’s Anatomy.

Audience/Readership

The novel is strictly appealing to teenagers looking to handle more gritty content, but I do not think it would appeal to any demographics older than that in any substantial way. Recommended for readers 13 and up. 

Reading (Movie) Log #7 - The Hate U Give (2018) [20th Century Fox]

February 19, 2019

Review: 4/5

Tillman Jr., G. (Director). (2018). The hate u give. [Motion Picture]. United States: 20th Century Fox.

Summary

Based upon the novel of the same name by Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give is an American crime drama film directed by George Tillman Jr. that centres on sixteen-year-old Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg). Starr witnesses the shooting of her unarmed friend Khalil (Algee Smith) by a white police officer when he stops their car after a party, and she is propelled into dual worlds asking for her advocacy and silence. The film also stars Regina Hall, Common, Issa Rae, Anthony Mackie, Russell Hornsby, and K.J. Apa.

Relation

The film adaptation follows the story of the novel very closely, and heightens components to make it a drama that will appeal to older audiences as well. It also harkens to previous movies on racial violence and political action, such as Do the Right Thing (1989), Boyz n the Hood (1991), and Fruitvale Station (2013).

Appeal

The most appealing component of The Hate U Give is how it centres upon a young woman of colour and never strays from examining the intricacies of her situation. Not many films feature young women of colour in leading roles, and this film in particular presents a complex character who struggles with a variety of decisions with pressing human elements. The rest of the cast of the film are equally talented as lead Amandla Stenberg, with particular praise for Regina Hall, who plays Starr’s mother, Lisa.

Audience/Readership

The film presents a similar perspective as the novel, as it closely sticks to Starr’s perspective and interactions with other characters. The movie did not receive a traditional release pattern as major movies, so it may not have reached as wide of an audience as the novel; however, now that it is released on home video, it has the potential to reach more.