Monday, January 31, 2011

Break the Binding: Teen Book Club


You have seen the review for The Maze Runner on our blog! Now, you have a chance to read the book and participate in our book club at the Pearl Public Library. We will meet on Thursday, February 10, at 5:00 pm to discuss The Maze Runner by James Dashner. If you are a student at Pearl High School, ask your English teacher how you could get extra credit or a homework pass for attending this program!

Friday, January 21, 2011

The Knife That Killed Me - A Dark Read


In the Author's Note at the end of this book, Anthony McGowan says, "The Knife That Killed Me is dark all the way through. Instead of making the reader laugh, I want to grip him or her by the throat, gradually increasing the tension until it hurts. It's a harrowing story but, I trust, a compassionate one too." I can definitively say, I believe Mr. McGowan achieved his goal.


The last page of this book was turned last night and still the events are stirring in my head. Is high school really this bad for some students?


The book opens with a description of the knife that killed him and then proceeds into the story of Paul Varderman, a young man who is a loner looking to be a part of the life we call 'high school.' Will he join in with the freaks or perhaps, Roth's group, a bully feared and hated by everyone? This book evoked so many emotions: fear, outrage, disbelief, compassion...


At the end of almost every chapter, I meant to stop and put the book away never to finish the end; but I couldn't do it. I HAD to follow through to the very end...bet you will, too!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Libraries Closed Today

CMRLS Libraries will not open today, Monday, Jan. 10. The Libraries will be open regular business hours on Tuesday, Jan. 11. We regret any inconvenience this may cause. Please be careful if you must be on the roads this afternoon.