Student Favorites- Your Opinion

Do you want to see your favourite book on the library blog?    Let us know the name of the book, why you started reading it and who you would recommend it to.  Hand it in to or give it to Frau Burkart by word of mouth and she who will pass it on to us so that we can put it on the website.  If you don't feel comfortable having your name on the post you can submit it anonymously and pick a fake name.  We can't wait to see what you all come up with! Zinnia and Gwendoline ☺

get-most-out-of-competition[image]. Retrieved From:http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/281237/file-686899349-png/Marketing/get-most-out-of-competition.png
 

Reading Recommendation: Embers - Sándor Márai

“Candles burn to the end”, was the original title that was lost in translation. This would have been better suiting, because it emphasizes the novels message, how the strongest emotions last a lifetime. Set during and after the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

This novel written by a Hungarian depicts the scene of two lifelong friends who meet again, after 41 years of being apart, for the last time. Something happened all those years ago that drove them apart. It illustrates the struggles of betrayal and abandonment, of being old with bottled feelings from decades ago. Embers demonstrates the horrible feeling of understanding too late, but also accepting the past.

Sándor Márai has a way of describing everything in such a delicate and elegant manner, it’s safe to say that he truly is an artist. There are quite a few monologues; however they aren’t boring in the slightest. In fact they reveal the most intimate thoughts of the characters and slowly bit for bit reveal the mystery of what happened so long ago.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel; it changed me, by saying this I mean certain views I had changed. I would recommend it to anyone who seeks a new perspective, or anyone looking for an absolute page turner. 

Check in next week for more :) Zinnia and Gwendoline. 

embers [image]. Retrieved from

http://www.mrbsemporium.com/index.php/books/9780141004310/embers

Student's Opinion: Spy Glass- Maria V. Snyder

Ryan, a year 11 student, was introduced to the series to which Spy Glass belongs when he was looking for new books and knew that he would enjoy it since he previously had read similar books.  As an avid reader he is always on the lookout for new material to read.  Maria V. Snyder, the author, tells a story of a girl who has lost her powers and observes them being used by others and embarks on a mission to get back what she previously had.  Each character has his or her own personality, which Ryan really enjoyed. In particular he related to Lief, who enjoys eating anything and everything, something Ryan also feels passionate about. Lief also has a skill for interpreting people’s emotions, which comes in handy in some situations.  The book can appeal to people with varied preferences as, according to Ryan, it has aspects of fantasy and adventure which are complemented by the problems and triumphs in the relationships of characters in the book.  Maria V. Snyder does a good job of conveying the emotions of the characters, especially in the scenes which revolve around characters’ feelings.  Ryan recommends it to everyone who enjoys fantasy novels, with a softer undertone and some emotion involved.  He warns that if you don’t have a good imagination, you may struggle to read the book.

 

Spy Glass (Glass #3) [Image]. Retrieved from http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7970273-spy-glass

 

See you next Wednesday - Zinnia and Gwendoline

Student's Opinion: The Wind in the Wilows by Kenneth Graham

The Wind in the Willows

A year 6 student at our school, who would prefer to be called Dugong-101 (his absolute favourite animal), read “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Graham. He picked it up, because a friend recommended it and it looked inviting, it has been his favourite book since. Dugong-101 described the book in 3 words friendship, teamwork and adventure, all of these being real life issues that are relatable. All characters have their individual points of views and express them thoroughly throughout the book, which he enjoys. In particular Duging-101 relates to Mr Badger, who doesn’t like change and would rather settle down and create roots. Even though Dugong-101 finds that all characters are agreeable, he doesn’t identify with Mr Rat’s optimism. It took him 2 days to read, “It’s the sort of book you can read laying in bed”. It’s an easy read and he would definitely read it again, because it calms him and makes him happy.

 You can find this book in the Library :)

Tune back in next week for more fun posts yours truly, Zinnia and Gwendoline.

the-wind-in-the-willows [image]. Retrieved from:

http://www.usborne.com/catalogue/book/1~CS~CSP~3249/the-wind-in-the-willows.aspx

Special Event: Halloween Costume Inspiration

Stuck on what to dress up for this week's catwalk?

Why not draw inspiration for your Halloween Costume from some of your favourite book characters?  Here are some suggestions!

1.       The Hunger Games, By Suzanne Collins

What’s more inspiring than a young girl fighting for her district in a game of life and death! Katniss Everdeen would be a great pick for anyone who loves adventure.

2.       The Witches, By Roald Dahl

Put a spin on a classic Halloween costume and try and replicate the grand high witch out of the classic The Witches.

3.       Der Kleine Vampir, By Angela Sommer- Bodenburg

Alternatively, if you want to dress up as a vampire, Der Kleine Vampir could lead as an example.

4.       The Cherub Series, By Robert Muchamore

Being a spy is quite possibly one of the most exciting careers imaginable.  Try it out by dressing up as James or Kerry.

5.       Twilight, By Stephanie Meyer

There’s two ways to go werewolf or vampire.  Make the same decision Bella had to make and choose a side, team Jacob or team Edward.  Alternatively you and two friends could dress up as Bella, Edward and Jacob.

6.       Die Kleine Hexe, By Otfried Preussler

Another original witch, from a well-known German children’s story. 

7.       Harry Potter Series, By J.K Rowling

This generation’s favourite witches and wizards would be a classic choice for a Halloween costume, especially as the books are often set in a school.  Harry Potter has such a wide variety of characters you could go as anyone, or re-enact every cast member in a big group of classmates.

8.      Monstergeschichten By Cornelia Funke

 

German readers will easily find an idea in this book full of stories about monsters. Simply looking at the pictures gives great inspiration for cool costumes.

If you haven’t read any of these, you can find them in the GISS library.  See you next Wednesday, Zinnia and Gwendoline

Happy-Halloween-from-improveit-360 [image]. Retrieved from http://www.improveit360.com/happy-halloween-from-improveit-360-2/

Reading Recommendation: The Uncommon Reader- Alan Bennett

 

Surely most of us have wondered what it must be like to be a British monarch and while the royal family isn’t always willing to share, there are other options for the curious.  The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett tells the story of a queen who stumbles across a mobile library and finds a new love for reading.  Not only does the book give an insight into her reading habits, but also into the palace life.   Whilst the book itself is quite short, it would interesting for more avid readers to take a look at the books the queen reads, which would keep them busy for a while.  But for those who would prefer just to read this novella the mixture between the seemingly unusual reading habits and the day to day life is just as entertaining.  The book stimulates one to think a little bit differently of the seemingly glamorous life of the British monarchy, especially illustrated in the way it is suggested to the queen to discontinue  her new favourite habit of reading.  I think that this book is great for children and adults of all ages, especially those who are looking to reignite their love for reading.

 

The Uncommon Reader- Cover [Image]. Retrieved from http://www.polarimagazine.com/bookreviews/uncommon-reader-alan-bennett/

 

You can look forward to new posts from us every Wednesday- Zinnia and Gwendoline

 

 

Introduction

We're two IB students who enjoy reading and want to spread the love of books. You can call us Zinnia and Gwendoline :)
Our aim is to promote the school library to students, parents and teachers, by introducing new books and ideas to them. You as the reader can control the content by contributing your ideas and opinions through gissbib@gmail.com. We'd love to hear your ideas and feedback, questions are also welcome.