DON"T FORGET!!
GIRL IN THE ARENA
By Lise Haines
2009
324 Pages
From Inside Cover:
During the week, Lyn lives in a big house in Cambridge and hangs out with friends in Harvard Square. But over the weekend, she cheers her father on as he gears up for neo-gladiator competition-a high profile televised blood sport that rivals the NFL. Lyn's father is the top player in the league, and the paparazzi that have always swarmed him have started to dog Lyn's every move. All this fame comes with another price-Lyn's family lives with the constant presence of violence, uncertainty, and a strict cultural code set by the Gladiator Sports Association. When a skilled young fighter slays Lyn's father, the GSA imposes an unthinkable sentence-Lyn must marry her father's murderer. Though her mother made a career out of marrying into Glad culture, Lyn is prepared to do whatever it takes to claim her independence. Even if it means going into the arena herself....
Girl in the Arena is Lise Hines first young adult novel. I loved The Hunger Games and everything that Katnis represented in a strong young female. I fully expected to eat this book up with a spoon. A young female gladiator-on the cover she looks seriously kick ass. Never mind that within the first few chapters of the book she shaves her head and remains bald for the rest of the story! Baldness aside, the story was fine. Although it did sort of piss me off that her big battle doesn't even take place until the every end. It feels like it takes for ever to lead up to the big battle scene. Come on already!! It felt a little pieced together in parts-like maybe it was edited but never tidied up by the author? No, the story was fine. The problem was Lyn-the main character. I never felt an emotional connection with her. And for everything that she goes through in the book, it should have been there. Maybe it was me? Was I the one lacking spark? I did battle the flu all week.... I can't wait to read some other reviews on this one and try to figure it out.
I really wanted to LOVE Girl in the Arena but sadly it was just a good book. Put down and quickly forgotten as I move on to the next. I bought this used on Amazon.com and I'll be donating it to the Salmon Public Library. I recommend it for reader 13 and up. It does have violence-hello! It's gladiators people.
BOYS, GIRLS & OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
By Rosalind Wiseman
2010
279 pages
From Inside Cover:
Charlie Healey just wants a drama free year, but it doesn't seem like she's going to get it. Middle school was rough. There were mean girls all around her; and she was even in danger of becoming one herself. High school was supposed to be her chance to leave all that behind, except that it isn't. On her very first day, who does she run into but he former best friend, Will, who'd moved away years ago. Now he's back, he's HOT, and he's popular. Befriending him again takes Charlie back into the danger zone. And when a hazing prank turns near deadly, Charlie and their new no-drama friends realize Will has gotten in way over his head trying to prove his loyalty to upperclassmen. Torn between doing what's right and secret feelings for Will, Charlie must decide whether to turn in her very best friend or live with the guilt of knowing what he did.
I was very excited to read this book because years ago I read Rosalind Wiseman's Queen Bees and Wanna Bees, which made quite a lasting impression on me. It's a great book and I think anyone who has a daughter should read it. Boys, Girls & Other Hazardous Materials is her first work of fiction. The main character Charlie is ready to make some big changes in her life after a few horrific experiences with some frenemies in junior high school. But her hope to break free is crushed on the first day when she finds herself face to face with a couple of people she never expected to see at this new school. One of whom is her old best friend Will who she hasn't seen in a few years. Is Will still the same good old guy she remembers from years back or has high school and his new found popularity changed him into someone completely different?
I really like that Ms. Wiseman touches on the subject of hazing in her novel. In this case, the high school lacrosse team target incoming freshman. Who are subjected to dares or humiliating acts in order to be accepted and considered team members by the upperclassmen. Alot of times this hazing is allowed by coaches and excused by adults in the name of tradition and a coming of age rite of passage. In my opinion it's all bullshit and should never, ever be tolerated. Hazing is harassment, assault and in many instances against the law.
I recommend this book for ages 13 and up. High School situations. Some Language. I will be donating this book to the Salmon Public Library. I won this book in a contest sponsored by The Story Siren. Thanks Kristi!
