Review: Need

Need by Joelle Charbonneau

Publication Date: November 3rd, 2015

Publisher: Harcourt Brace and Company

NEED is a story about how achieving’s one desires is not always worth the consequences, even if it seems like the right decision at the time. Written through the perspectives of teenagers attending the same high school, it follows the rise of an anonymous social media that allows people to complete tasks, often felonious, to be rewarded with an item of their choice, anywhere from a new laptop to an A in a class. The story mainly revolves around Kaylee, a teenage girl in desperate need of a new kidney for her terminally ill brother. However, she soon discovers becomes suspicious of this website and embarks on a dangerous, death-filled, hunt for the truth. This book is extremely unique in its concept, but could have been carried out a bit better. The end of the book was not foreshadowed at at all throughout the story and seemed a bit random and disappointing. Overall, this was an exciting story that kept me on the edge of my seat and I would probably read it again.

Review: Orbiting Jupiter

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt 

Publication Date: October 6, 2015
Publisher: Clarion Books

ORBITING JUPITER is a thoughtfully written, compelling realistic fiction novel with emphasis on familial love. Protagonist Jack describes the changes to his life as his family adopts Joseph, a 14-year old previously imprisoned for almost killing a teacher. But Jack learns that people are not always what they seem. He slowly gets the quiet and reserved Joseph to open up about his secrets. Joseph is determined to find his daughter, Jupiter, whom he has never seen. Jack joins in the search, and together the two boys encounter many characters determined to keep Joseph from his goal. Although the plot at times is far fetched, the characters are completely believable because of the author’s authentic voice.  Throughout the plot, complex minor characters come in to play, making the story unpredictable and entertaining. While this is not exactly a fast paced read, it is very well written realistic fiction with enough dramatic moments to keep the reader engaged.