All Around the Town by Mary Higgins Clark

A 4-year-old suffered two years of abuse when she was kidnapped by a couple with issuses. Years later the sudden death of her parents brings back those horrible memories, and she develops multiple-personality disorder to cope with her losses. When her college professor is murdered all leads point to her. Her defense attorney sister and a mental health doctor race to discover the truth behind the murder and the secrets of her past.

This book was really interesting to read. Their are so many different aspects of the story that all tied together in the end. The most interesting part was the development of the girl in the story. Not only of her own personality but her other personalities. They all get their own name and backstory but they still are related to the girl in some way. The development of all the characters were fantastic, especially the two antagonists; Bic and Opal.

This book is violent and scary on some aspects but overall it is a pretty safe book for older kids because of the complexity of the plot line. They might enjoy reading it together with a parent or being read outloud to.

This book is fascinating and gives incite to a mental patients mind. Everything is deep and motivating making this book a must-read!

Unbreakable

An ordinary man becomes extrodinary when is the only survivor of a train wreck and even more remarkable is that he came out completly unharmed. David, his wife, and his son meet Elijah who is the oppisite of David. Elijah has suffered throughout his life a broken body with the only thing he holds on to; his comic books. Elijah believes that David is of a special few who has super abilities. David goes on a self-journey that will change his life forever and learns what a hero means to him and his family.

This movie is amazing. Samuel L. Jackson and Bruce Willis are the best actors for this film. This movie isn't about the action life of a superhero, and in fact their is little action but so much suspense. They make the movie mindblowing and suspenseful through emotion and storytelling that just takes the breath away. The plot is full of twists and heartpounding tension that the audience will fall all over. Throughout the movie I was wondering where all the action was because I was so use to super hero movies with action, but honestly it didn't need any.

This is definatly an older family movie. It's pretty scary because its a thriller and because it doesn't have a lot of action, it might potentally be a boring film for kids near the beginning and too scary near the end. It also deals with crimes like murder, drugs, and rape that could be scary for kids. I would not let children 11 and under see it.

This is a great movie with a lot of meaning, amazing acting, and suspense that is neatly tied into this movie.

Welcome to Nightvale

Usually for this blog I find books, t.v. shows, and movies. But this is the first time I've ever reviewed a podcast. For those of you who don't know what a podcast is, it's like a t.v. show you would only listen to. You can get them from iTunes or an app called Podbay

Cecil Palmer is a radio show host in a small town called Night vale. He tells you about the politics, big news, the weather, events, and everything that goes on in Night vale. But right away you know that something is amiss in Night vale. First there is the mysterious dog park that the city council forbids anyone to go it. Then there is Old Women Josie who houses angels. Then the mighty glow cloud and the lights at Radon Canyon. Even the newest citizen and scientist of Night vale, Carlos (with the perfect hair), is perplexed by the-house-that-doesn't-exist (but it may appear like it is there). Throughout the story you begin to understand that Night vale isn't a normal town, especially with the corrupt city council that doesn't want you to ask any questions.

This podcast is amazing with it's brilliant storytelling that will keep you on the edge the whole show. This story is a great mix of mystery and comedy. The description of the show is deep and mind blowing and the voice actors make every bit dazzling.

This show does have a tiny bit of swearing in it and their is a gay character in it but really this show is almost spotless. Age 11 and up would be my limit but really it's for most older families.

You can get podcasts from iTunes or an app called Podbay that you can download onto most devices. There is a book coming out based on this podcast in 2015 so I would start listening!

Gattaca

"We now have discrimination down to a science." -Vincent Freemen, from Gattaca

In a future not so far away, is a world where two parents can choose how their child will become through gene therapy. Vincent Freemen was born without gene therapy and because he has a high chance of many disabilities, he becomes an outcast. While his younger brother Anton goes on to greater and better things that he was made to have from even before birth. Though Vincent is supposedly weak, he has one dream, to go to the best space exploration station Gattaca and go to outer space and the great beyond. This story is about how Vincent achieves his dream, and how he overcomes the doubts that society and his brother have put into his mind.

This wonderful movie is beautifully made and teaches that gene therapy cannot guarantee perfection. I love how the character Vincent tells from his point of view how he feels about the society he lives in and he teaches the people around that he can be capable of extraordinary things. This movie will have you quoting it forever.

This movie is rated PG-13 for vulgar language, some brief violence, and sexuality so I would say this movie would not be appropriate for children. But it is a great movie for young adults to see.  

High school students should definitely try and see this because they are now currently learning about biotechnology including gene therapy in school.

    

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

After the destruction of Earth, Arthur Dent and his not-so-human neighbor Ford Perfect both hitchhike across the galaxy on an adventure that leads to the ultimate answer of  the most important questions; Where did we come from? Why are we here? What is our purpose in life? What is the meaning of life. Ford and Arthur meet new people and see new places and get through their adventures with the help of a special book that Ford has, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

This book is funny and clever. The characters are great and the plot is adventurous and hilarious. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a good laugh. But behind all the laughter there is meaning to this book. Arthur Dent discovers what being human means to him and that he had taken his planet home for granted. And he becomes very grateful to have such an adventurous neighbor such as Ford Perfect.

This book is really good for most people ages 12 and older, there is so vulgar language and might be a little complicated for younger kids. Other than that it is a very clean and fun book.

If you don't already have a summer reading list I would highly recommend that you put this book on it.