The Lost Hero by: Rick Riordan

The book The Lost Hero was a very good book. It showed a totally different side of the Percy Jackson series. The plot is very much like the Percy Jackson books, though. An oracle gives a ominous prophecy and then three heroes go on the given quest. The heroes are Leo, Piper, and Jason.

My favorite character was Piper, because she changed throughout the story. She never stopped making the story interesting. Her views of certain things where intriguing, and lead me into a whole series of questions for her. The characters that I thought were worthless to the story were all of the extra wind gods. I believe that they didn’t add much to the story and were a part of the book that wasn’t necessary.

This book was good because of all the underlying stories. Some of them centered on were that family matters or the idea of never giving up. The underlying story that family matters is the relationship with Thalia and Jason. Even though Jason has no real recollection of her he feels emotionally pulled toward to her. Also, even though Zeus abandoned him Hera took him as one of her own.

The underlying story of never give up is because that quest the three of them went on looked bad because none of them had any experience in fighting or any survival training. Yet, they went because they were determined to finish the quest.

If you enjoyed the previous Percy Jackson books or The Hunger Games then I would definitely recommend this book to you, because it has a little romance, action, drama, and of course Olympians. I really enjoyed this book, and hope you do too.

Books: how to choose

There are several ways I pick a book. The first way is: I read the title and look at the cover. I then read the back of the book to see if it might be interesting to me. If it is, then I will try reading it. Another way is I will read a book by an author of a book that I previously enjoyed. I often read series books, too. I also like to read books that people suggest for me.
I evaluate the first few chapters by seeing if the book holds any potential interest. If the book pulls you in and makes you want to keep reader to find out what happens, if the story is something you can relate to, or if the book is just something new and interesting, something you’ve never read before, then I’ll probably keep reading.
I look for characters I can relate to and passages that make you think.
If I cannot understand a book even if I read passages over and over, I’ll likely give up. If a book also lacks interesting characters, plot, scenes, etc. of any kind, it will be a least a struggle to read. The only other reason I might stop reading a book is if it gets really scary. I’m not a fan of super-scary books.

How to pick a book

Hey this is my first blog with MCA Contemporary Literature.

1.) When I want to look for a book I look for a cool cover. Some of the time when a book has a cool cover it is a good book. I also look and see if it has gotten any awards. Lastly I look at the reviews from any magazines, authors, and maybe a TV show.

2.) I evaluate the first few chapters by looking and seeing if I can relate to anything like the characters. I look at the characters and see if they are my age or maybe a little older. I also look at the pace of the book. I like a fast pace book. Something that grabs my attention right off the bat.

3.) I give up on a book that I can't relate to or it takes place in a late time period (1800's-1950). Or I am just forced to read it and I still find it boring. I normally don't like books that are lovey-dovey and all romantic. I give up on a book that doesn't intrigue me from the start like it starts with like a quote or it has a lot of quote-like sayings.



Well that is it! (: I hope you enjoyed.

~KAITLIN

How I judge a book .... (:

How do I pick a book? Even if judging a book by its cover isn’t the best way to choose a book, it is what I seem to do. If the cover is dark, and just looks like something I wouldn’t be interested, chances are, I wouldn’t read it. On the other hand, if the book is very colorful looking, pretty titles, or just something that will catch my attention, I will probably read it. Another way I pick a book is by using what they summarize on the back. When you pick up a book, most people turn it over, to read the summary on the book. It usually gives you an idea of what you’ll be reading, which is helpful. If the back of the book, or the title doesn’t look good enough to read, then it’s probably not the best book for you. Since everyone is different, different books would be for different people. You might have hated a book that your friend loved. Long story short; don’t judge a book by its actual cover, unless nothing about the book interest you at all.

How do I evaluate the first 3-4 chapters? What do you look for? What makes you give up on a book? The way I usually evaluate the first 3-4 chapters of a book, is if has already dragged you in. A good book really should catch your attention, and make you not want to put it down. Even though, I’m not the biggest reader, when it comes to a really book good, I like too. If it already hasn’t made you at all interested, you kind of figure it won’t at all. Like I said, I look for a book to make me want to read more. Ones that drag you in, like you’re almost there with them in the book. So, if I’m not already interested by the first couple chapters, that is usually when I think to give up. I don’t like giving up books, but if you don’t get interested in it, you’re basically wasting your time on it. Since you can’t judge a book by its cover, which most people seem to do. You have to give it a chance, and if you can’t even enjoy it by the first few chapters, then giving up might be the best option.

Half Way Home by Hugh Howey

Recently, I read Half Way Home by Hugh Howey. I have read two other books by Hugh Howey, but this one by far is the best. This book is extremely well-written, has an amazing plot and strong lead chracters. Parts of the book were confusing, like at the end before Porter explains their plan. This is one book that really makes you think about all different things. It is also a book that you can't just half-read. If you try that, you will end up lost and confused (just a fair warning for those planning on reading it). All in all, this was truly an amazing book.
~Ashleigh

Picking Out Books

Whoever said you don’t judge a book by its cover was sadly mistaken. When you go to pick out a book, the first thing you look at is its cover. When I go to pick out I book, I’ll flip it over and check out the summary on the back. If that sounds good, I’ll read the first page or two and decide from there. The cover, however, does have more to do with it than people might think…
When I read a book, the first couple of chapters really decide whether I’ll finish the book or not. If the first few chapters are well-written, interesting, and excite my interest, then I’ll keep reading. If the plot is about something actually interesting and doesn’t move too slow or too fast, then it’ll probably be a good book. The hook is really important, because without it, you are never really drawn into the story.
In my reading career, I have seldom given up on a book. In fact, I can only recall giving up on about 3 books. When I give up on a book, I find the reason I did is that the plot was terribly boring or the writing was just terrible (or I was really busy at school...). If the first chapters of a book aren’t good, I may sludge through about half of the book before I get so fed up I give up on the book. Most of the time, though, I can make it through the whole thing.
For me, picking out a book has never really been an issue. I love reading, and will read just about anything. I do read back covers or inside flaps and see if I recognize the author’s name. Quite frankly, I just love to read.

How I pick a book.....

1. How do you pick a book?
I pick a book by looking at the back of the book where it has information about the book, The cover/title, and the first couple paragraphs, if the book looks interesting I’ll read the first few pages and if I don’t want to put the book down, I know I’ll like it in the long run so I chose to read that book.

2. How do you evaluate the first 3-4 chapters?
In a book I look for interesting situations and characters I can relate to in the first few chapters. If a book starts getting boring, I don't enjoy reading it, or I can’t relate at all to any of the situations or characters I give up on the book and try a new one that looks more suitable for my taste.I think the most important part of a book are the first couple pages, because they make the first impression of a book.

Emily Parker

Don't Judge a Book by its cover

Hey, it's Serena. This is my first blog assignment for my Contemporary Literature class at MCA.

1. How do you pick a book? I usually pick books by using a few different ways. I look at the description of the book on the front cover or back of the book. If it sounds like something that I would like than I will probably read it. I also pick books based on the author. I like to read books written by the same author. Like when I read "The Devil's Arithmetic" by Jane Yolen. I would try to find a bunch of books by jut Jane Yolen and then read them. I also pick books based on the genre. I usually pick books that are fiction. No offense to those who like non-fiction, but it is so boring. I haven’t read any good non-fiction books lately. Fiction that is based on a true story is good, but not totally true.

2. How do I evaluate the first 3-4 chapters? What do you look for? What makes you give up on a book? First, I look at the vocabulary. If there are numerous amounts of words that I don’t understand than I will most likely quit reading that book. I also look at the maturity. I don’t want a kindergarten level read, but I don’t want an adult level read, if you know what I mean. I also want the story plot to be good. If it is boring than I will give up. When I read it needs to be fast-paced, not slow. Finally it should be something that I like. I will read books about horses, but not blood, guts, and gore.

That’s all for now. Bye.

-Serena

Judge a book

If I am picking a book, I want it to be suspenseful, and exciting. Good books are fast moving. Some people decide to pick a book by whether the cover is pretty or the title sounds cool. That is not how I pick a book. I like to read the back summary, and if it makes me want to keep reading, then it is a good book for me. Many people “Judge a book, by its cover” maybe it is a good book, just it doesn’t look that exciting. There are good books out there, you just have to find them. Having a good book contains many climaxes and having the author build up to a certain point when the action literally explodes. When I read, I like a book when you are so tense with the suspense your eyes dart across the page, and sadly sometimes you get so impatient you skip some words until you can find the dramatic issue.

For me to evaluate the book that I am reading, it takes careful decisions and judgment. You may find the first three chapters very slow moving, the first couple parts of a book is not always very interesting. It may be a very fast paced book, but have a bad beginning. In the beginning of a book, I look for getting to know the main characters life, what their family is like, and what their interests are. Usually, books are using the introduction to let you learn about the characters and the environment and people around them. When I give up a book, it is usually because the book is too slow. I can’t stand when an author drones on and on about one certain detail. Sometimes this is good and is called elaborating, but sometimes when the author is describing a certain thing, and spends a whole chapter talking about it. In certain situations giving details helps you paint a picture of the characters world, but it may bore the reader after you do it for so long. I have given up books before, and they were for certain reasons, but I have read many good books and they were mostly fast paced.

~Abby

Evaluating and chosing books

When I’m choosing a book I look to see if the cover looks at all appealing. After that then I read the back of the book to see if it sound like a book I’d be interested to read. Once I’ve done all of that I check to see if I’ve read anything by the author. I also ask around to see if anyone else has read it, and what they think about it. Usually as long the back looks good I’ll give it a chance.

When I evaluate a book I look to see if the book is easy to understand. I look to see if it’s hard to get through or if it flows along. I check to see if it’s about a topic that I enjoy. When I give up on a book it’s usually because I can’t understand what it’s saying, or I don’t enjoy the topic.

At least this is how I think I choose and evaluate books, I've never really thought about it before.

~Dana

1st Blog Assignment

1. How do you pick a book?

I pick a book by looking at the back of the book where it has information about the book, The cover/title, and the first couple paragraphs, if the book looks interesting I’ll read the first few pages and if I don’t want to put the book down, I know I’ll like it in the long run so I chose to read that book.

2. How do you evaluate the first 3-4 chapters?

In a book I look for interesting situations and characters I can relate to in the first few chapters. If a book starts getting boring, I don't enjoy reading it, or I can’t relate at all to any of the situations or characters I give up on the book and try a new one that looks more suitable for my taste.

Emily Parker

Assignment #1

Hey Y'all! This is actually my first assignment blog for the new Contemporary Lit. Class. We have certain stuff we have to write about so I'm going to start with the first one on the piece of paper.

1. How do you pick a book?
I choose books a few different ways. The first is by the author. I usually read books written by authors I like. I do this because I know this author is good at writing. The second way I choose a book is by the description of the book. If I like the summary, I usually try reading the book. The third way I choose a book is by genre. I usually choose to read fiction over non-fiction, so most of the time I read a fiction book.

2. How do you evaluate the 1st 3-4 chapters of a book? What do you look for? What makes you give up on a book?
I evaluate a book by how interesting the book is. I look for a fast-moving plot and strong characters that fit in with the story. It also helps when the book is written well. I most likely give up because the book is moving to slow or isn't interesting.

OK, I finished writing about the stuff on the piece of paper. I can't really think of a better wrap up so bye y'all!
~Ashleigh

Hey guys! I am sorry that I haven't been able to post! It is a friday night and I am sitting at home doing homework because MAHS has school tomorrow :(. Anyways, I just wanted to update you guys on some books i've read!

Half Way Home by Hugh Howe- At first, when I started the book, I didn't think I would like it. It seemed a little out there for me. I am not use to reading anything considered "sci-fi." I must say though, I really enjoyed this book! As I was ending the book, I found that I loved the pro-life vs. pro-choice aspect (at least thats how I interpreted it). I was really intrigued how Howe incorporated a new twist on political issues. The book was very well written and I almost enjoyed it more then Molly Fyde. It was different yet I loved it! I kept reading it during my classes because I could not put it down!

Stolen by Lucy Christopher- This book is almost like a twisted love story. It opens in an airport. A young girl of around the age of 16 is having trouble with her parents. An unknown stranger finds her. He looks handsome and nice yet she feels as if she's seen him before. That is when he drugs her. He has "stolen" her away from life. He claims to be protecting her from something. Little does she know, he has been there her whole life protecting her. This book is a captivating story written as a love letter to Gemma's captor Ty. It was very good and i would suggest it to anyone who enjoys mystery novels!

While i have read many others, these were my top two favorites! I also read Will Grayson, Will Grayson, but i would only suggest that book for someone more mature (not that you guys are not mature). It covers some very deep and heavy content. While i will admit, it was very funny but not very age appropriate.

Emma C.

Half Way Home by Hugh Howey

So even though school has started, :) and summer is over :( I hope everyone will still talk about the amazing books they are reading throughout the year! One I hope you all read is MOCKINGJAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's out and coming to my house tomorrow morning. As soon as I read I can give it to Ms. Kesler to be passed along, in case there aren't enough copies at the school (which is always an issue)! Another newish book, Half Way Home by the wonderful Hugh Howey, is another must get. He takes things to a whole new level, and though I regretted leaving the Molly world to explore another, it was well worth it. I can't even begin to describe this book, it is so interesting! :) I think I like the Molly Fyde series better, but that is because of my opinion on some controversial issues he faces. Politically, I can tell we do not agree but I am open minded enough to understand these things- while also recognizing a lot of others I know who share my political views would not accept this. I would say only mature eighth graders for this one; it covers tricky topics. But I love it all the same and hope a few of you can benefit from these ideas! Good luck to all in school and always read. Love from Mount Airy High School- Jessi

Super Books This Summer

Peace out one and all. I read like every single book with a worthwhile cover that I could this summer, however there are a two books I think I aught to bring to everyone's attention...

Of all the books I have read this summer, only one stands out in my mind most vividly. During the last school year, I started reading The House Of The Scorpion by Nancy Farmer. It started out as one of those, "I'll pick this up on my spare time" sort of books. There was nothing different about it, as far as I could tell. Then about halfway through I realized that this was no ordinary book. The writing itself wasn't extremely genuine. But the storyline was so intense and packed that I could not convince myself to put it down. It definitely opens up your mind a little bit wider than it may have been before. I would highly recommend giving it some time to read.

This one will probably be shunned by most of you. It is called The White Mountains, by John Christopher. It's in a series of four, and the storyline is one of those classics. The bad guys walk around in these huge metal monsters called tripods. The tripods destroy all of mankind's technology, and then turn them into happy slaves who will jump off a cliff to do their bidding. It started out a little slow, but after about 50 pages it starts to pick up. Although the plot is somewhat juvenile, I found it to be a great 1-day read. It had the same feeling, as well as writing stile to it as did The Giver. I would strongly encourage all of you to give it a shot. :)