Weekend Reads

Guest Review by Hunter Robinson, Class of 2018

The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy 

The Prince of Tides is a beautifully crafted piece of literature that will surely leave you in a jumble of emotions by the time you have finished. Set in the South during 1980, Conroy spins a tale about a family that was torn apart at the seams, and that tear has not yet been mended some 20 years later. Told through the eyes of Tom Wingo, you will get a look into a childhood that was not only traumatic, but so inconceivable that you won't believe something this gruesome could possibly be made up. If you are reading any other book when you start this one, be prepared to put it down, because Pat Conroy will grab you and he will not let go until you have read the very last sentence.  Conroy develops this breathtaking novel is his outstanding use of description. The story is set in the American South, more specifically Melrose Island, South Carolina. Tom, his twin Sally, and his brother Luke grew up loving the land, the beautiful haven they grew up on. With his use of creating scenery, Conroy is able to take you into the American South, which has so captivated the men in the story that they never want to leave. The South that is Melrose Island is a different story. 

Literature is not written to help you mindlessly pass time. Pieces of literature such as this help you to not only assess the problems of society, furthermore, they push your thinking to its utmost ability. The Prince of Tides is no exception to this unwritten rule. His brilliance with words not only praises the South, but also humiliates the land he grew up in and loves so. Pat Conroy is an amazing author; period. His use of beautiful descriptions and jaw dropping themes leaves you turning the page until there are just no more to turn. And believe me, you will be highly disappointed when there are no more pages to turn. The Prince of Tides is a thought provoking story which is probably the last thing you want to hear about a novel. But, I assure you that those thoughts will be well worth your time, because you will ultimately be satisfied with this book.

Find it in Fiction under F CON

Old Wolf by Avi

Old Wolf tells the stories of Casey, a teenage boy, and Nashoba, an old alpha wolf. Set in what is called "the starving time", Nashoba must find food in order to keep his position in the pack. He forms a partnership with Marla, a raven who agrees to help him in return for securing food for herself as well. Together they venture into dangerous territory - the Bend Valley, which comes close to the human population that is most dangerous to wolves. Concurrently, we meet Casey, a boy who is fascinated by bow hunting. Casey has read books, and plays bow hunting video games and is excited to use his new archery set - so excited, that he ignores his parents' request that he waits for lessons to strike out and track down some prey of his own. 

Though this novel is short, Avi's shifting perspectives and use of anthropomorphism (giving animals human qualities, such as the ability to talk to each other) make it a powerful story. Brian Floca's illustrations are finely detailed and work well to create sympathy and understanding of the characters. 

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Auggie & Me by R.J. Palacio

Each year, the student councils from each school donate a book in order to recognize the time and effort of the members of the school board. This year, the Avonworth Middle School Student Council donated the book Auggie & Me by R.J. Palacio. This book is a collection of "chapters" written by other characters about their experiences with Auggie. First is "The Julian Chapter", which takes readers into the mind of Auggie's number one nemesis at Beecher Prep. Next is "Pluto", which gives readers a glimpse at Auggie's life before Beecher and his friendship with Christopher. Finally there is "Shingaling", which is told from the perspective of Charlotte, the girl assigned to be Auggie's welcome buddy at Beecher Prep. Through Charlotte readers also get to see more of Summer, one of Auggie's closest friends in Wonder. This book is a great way to revisit a favorite novel and learn more not only about Auggie but about the world he lives in and the people who inhabit it.

Find it in Fiction under F PAL