Book Reviews

                               
First They Killed My Father
by Loung Ung

First of all I've been wanting to read this book for awhile. I see it on the shelf and think I'm going to read it, so when someone suggested that it was a good book I finally picked itup.

I am really into Biographies right now too especially from around the world. I learn a lot about the time, culture and the human experience. However I cannot imagine being so hungry, angry and deal with so much loss in life. I can't imagine not being able to speak up or share my feelings. Reading Loung Ung's book was enlightening to the triumph of human life but also the devestation governments can have on their peoples.

Loung Ung, one of seven children of a high-ranking government official in Phnom Penh, tells of her experiences after her family was forced to flee from Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge army, discussing her training as a child soldier in a work camp for orphans, and telling of how her surviving siblings were eventually reunited.



Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have by Allen Zadoff

 
Troy or "T" tells his story of being an obese teenager. He has low self-esteem and is aware of his size in public. His younger brother just can't stand him and is very athletic. His father is a former marine and is just as big as Troy but made of muscles.


Troy wants to commit suicide but is "saved" by a boy named Curt, who happens to be a school legend from his rock band. Their friendship begins by Curt making Troy buy him lunch and then decides that Troy should be the drummer for his band. This is hard to imagine and Troy does not believe he can play the drums. According to Curt they already have a gig and must get started practicing. Troy has no belief that he can do it and again Curt helps him change up his style and build up his confidence. Sadly Curt is homeless and addicted to prescribed medication which of course is not his own prescriptions.


In the end Troy finds out that no one is really looking at him and that everyone is putting on a facade at one point or another. He even finds himself in the music just in time to be strong enough to confront Curt about his addiction.




The Hunger Games
by Suzane Collins

Suspence!!!


Katniss lives in a poor district and hunts to help her family survive. The annual competition of the Hunger Games comes around and her sister, whom she is protecting gets chosen. Katniss steps up to take her place.


The games are televised and she learns that her partner is suppose to work with her although she doubts his loyalty to the team. In fact they are to act as if they are in love with each other while they fight off all the other district members in order to survive. The winner is the last survivor.


This book kept me on my toes. The suspense was great. I highly suggest reading this book and its sequel.