saralowww's reviews
834 reviews

American Born Chinese is a fast-paced, and quick-witted graphic novel. Although I can’t say that I thoroughly enjoyed it, it was still fairly adequate. I liked how all three story lines came together in the end. The characters are well developed for such a short novel. The underlying message of self-acceptance shined through the sometimes overly dominating stereotypes. The art is what brings this graphic novel to a whole new level. The colorful images fill in all the blanks left by the sparse text.

I am madly in love with words. I am particularly drawn to the way words are strung together to create meaning and images. Markus Zusak’s novel, “The Book Thief,” is a wonderful portrayal of exactly how I like words to act. The imagery is beautiful, although sometimes gut-wrenching. For example, “Within minutes, mounds of concrete and earth were stacked and piled. The streets were ruptured veins. Blood streamed till it was dried on the road, and the bodies were stuck there, like driftwood after the flood.” I have never read an author that paints pictures like this.
Another strong point of interest in this book is the character development. Zusak slowly reveals layers of his characters throughout the novel. I felt a strong emotional connection with these characters because it was like we were starting out as new friends and I was slowly finding out more and more about them. I even felt connected to the unlikely narrator, Death.
I would recommend this book to anyone, young or old. It may be labeled as a young adult literature but it has enough substance, and literary significance to engage all readers.

This book combines all the makings of a fabulous novel: a steamy and complicated love triangle, action, suspense, and a futuristic setting where technology rules all. The mixture of these components makes this book irresistible to both male and female students. The plot is exceptional: I was left turning page after page and just when I thought I figured it out an entirely new level to the story was added on.

The main character is a strong, and at times deadly young woman, that stands as the head of her household, whereas her male partner is soft spoken, and eloquent. The reverse of stereotypical gender roles brings a lovely and uncommon twist to the story. It is impossible not to develop a strong connection to the characters. Katniss’s battle between survival and relationship provides an entirely new outlook on friendship and romance.

The Giver is still a popular read for elementary school students. The Hunger Games is perfect for the readers who have outgrown their connection to Jonas.
I can see myself using this book to scaffold on the ideas and themes students gleaned from The Giver.

Perhaps the new rage in pop culture will be Team Peeta and Team Gale. I wouldn’t mind anything is better than the debate between a sparkly vampire and a mangy mutt.