Mr W's Nat 5 Reading Homework

[awaddell]

**Reminder** One week to go!


Tuesday 23rd June.
Read a new book and post a persuasive and convincing 100 blurb on the message board by Tuesday 23rd June.
The book must be challenging for you.
The blurb must not give away the story but encourage others to want to read the book.
There will be a thread set up on the message board.


Summer Holiday
Once you have read a novel, your challenge over the summer will be to read 1 poem and another novel, then write short reviews on each and post a link to an electronic copy of the poem.

[awaddell]

The Testament of Gideon Mack - Review

Well, if you haven’t read this cracker, get it now!

Minister meets the devil, what's there not to like? Like Faust, Confessions of a Justified Sinner and endless amounts of films, this provocative story explores the unravelling of the protagonist's mind with the disastrous influence of the devil, or in fact 'our devil'. I couldn't help but be taken away on a deeply philosophical venture through this skilfully layered narrative, gently urged onwards by Robertson's natural wit.

Read this modern Scottish classic. In the words of Arnie: “Do it, do it now!”

Hilarious, thought-provoking and intricate.

[awaddell]

Lewis Man Review

Attachments:

[A Waddell]

Get more ideas for your blurb or review here: www.goodreads.com/book/show/10664113-a-dance-with-dragons

[Shaylagh MacKerron - 4C3]

The Fault in our Stars by John Green Review – Shaylagh MacKerron 

Like a bit of a cry to yourself? Love a heart throbbing story? If so, The Fault In Our Stars is definitely the book for you. The Fault in Our Stars is a beautiful, romantic book written by John Green. The book will have you ‘awing and the cute and cheesy bits, laughing at the funny parts but most of all you’ll definitely have a little cry to yourself. The book is about two teenagers you both have had and have Cancer, they fall in love but there are many sad and disappointing times for them. They travel a magical place, witness some unexpected events but they realize that neither of them will live forever. I rate this novel a 5 star as it is easy to understand and follow along and I also love the story line.

[awaddell]

Brilliant Shaylagh! You did exactly what you were asked to do. Well done.

What book is next, another John Green?

Mr W

[awaddell]

John Green - Fault in Our Stars

This is a desperate read, you've not read it? This read by john green is a glorious book sharing the likes of finding love and the understanding of love. Tells the story of a cancer patient meets the boy of her dreams Augustus waters at her social groups. With a beautiful plot twist, a novel of life and death and the people caught in between. Oh you will laugh, but shed many tears, always wanting to come back for more. It's a must read as it makes you come to grips with what you have and how lucky you are, and that what you think or have isn't what you want, others dream to have them.

Lauren Brown

[awaddell]

Well done Lauren,

Effective use of 2nd person and rhetorical question to open your piece. Remember capital letters though.

Would you recommend it to both genders? What about adults too?

Enjoy the Sport's trip,
Mr W

[Greig Dighton]

Miracle at Medinah review – by Greig Dighton
If you are even the slightest fan of golf’s Ryder cup this is a must read for you!
The Miracle at Medinah is the story of how the 39 th annual Ryder cup and the turn of events that happened over those 3 days. For any golf fans that remember it this ryder cup was one of the most memorable ever. The book also pays a respect to the late Seve Ballesteros.
For golf fan that picks this book up, you will not be able to put it back down until finished.

[Scott Habib]

The Test by Brian O'Driscoll

The Test, a fantastic novel by former Irish and British and Irish Lions outside centre Brian O'Driscoll. It is a book full of funny anecdotes from when Brian was a boy and playing for Blackrock College up till his very last match playing for Ireland and Leinster. It explains his relationships with other players and the banter that they have from playing at school in front 20 parents to playing for Ireland in front of 60,000 people. All in all, the Test is one of the best books I have read and recommend it to anyone wanting a good read.

[Melissa Ball]

Harry Potter Chamber of Secrets - J.K. Rowling


This fascinating fantasy by J.K Rowling is a must. A magical school full of wizards, what more could you ask for? The sophisticated fiction has everything you could possibly imagine, from house elves to bird messengers and even flying cars. It is a great sequel to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and leaves u intrigued to read the next 5 books, which continue the story of Harry Potter through his journey in Hogwarts. This highly imaginative book is enjoyable for both male and females and is sure not to disappoint as you read with trepidation and agitation.

[Dionne Carter]

Andy Mulligan - Trash
This is a book that will steal your breath away and fill your heart to the brim. This book by Andy Mulligan was a fantastic read,truly mind blowing the way Andy Mulligan told a story of poverty and the stark disparity of those who have and those who are without basic needs. This book is about three friends who are living on mountains of trash sorting it and looking for things to sell. One day they find a small leather bag with a big secret inside it. From then on they are hunted by the police, with the police showing no mercy towards the three boys. They risk their lives trying to keep this secret from them. It is a confronting story of the corruption of power and the implications of this on the poorest of the poor. I would also recommend it too teens and young adults.
Dionne Carter

[Lottie Arthur]

The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

Love a bit of a mystery?  Then this is the Book for you! Missing Husbands, delinquent daughters, missing cars, and nosy conmen. Precious Ramotswe's dealt with it all.
When Precious was working in the bus office and money was stolen, she was determined to find out who committed this crime. This was her first case. this was the beginning of her detective career. With Mr J.L.B. Maketoni by her side, she sets out on her biggest case yet. A missing child. A case that leaves us with desire, danger and most of all suspicion. 

[Catriona Goodman]

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - John Boyne

Wanting an emotional and incredible book to enjoy? This is it. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a thrilling and heartfelt novel, written beautifully to make you feel for each and every one of the characters.John Boyne tells you an upsetting story which can make anyone shed a tear, a young boy named Bruno who lives with his parents and sister in Berlin is forced to move to a new home because of his fathers job as a Nazi commandant in charge of the death camp, Auschwitz. This book will take you through a touching roller coaster of a ride, it is one of the best books ever written, I would definitely recommend you to read this fascinating and surprising book even if you are not the strongest reader.

[Rosa]

Then - Morris Gleitzman

Mystery, adventure and thriller. What you're looking for? Then I'd suggest this book for you! This book will get you emotionally involved and tangled with hate and love altogether your heart will pump anxiously and will ache with pain when reading this book. It's the story of two children, Zelda and Felix. Felix is a 10 year old Jewish boy and Zelda is a 6 year old girl whose parents were Nazis. Both Zelda and Felix's parents are dead and they only have each other. They are running away from the Nazis and trying to find a secure hiding place. They managed to come across a big hearted woman, Genia who agreed to help them out putting herself in danger as well. This is a new start for Zelda and Felix, new identity and everything. Genia hated the Jewish but hated the Nazis even more. As the story progresses there are fearful and tearful events throughout.

I'd recommend this book to teenagers.