After the First Death

After the First Death

by Robert Cormier

Published by: Dell Laurel-Leaf

a division of Random House Children's Books

Summary: Kate was not always the driver of this bus. She was subsituting for her uncle, driving 16 kids to summer camp, when the bus was taken over by highjackers who forced her to drive to a bridge where they could be seen. Where negotiations could be made. It was Miro's duty to kill the bus driver, but they were all thrown off to find it was a girl. If she watched over the children and made sure they didn't fuss, she could live. For now. Finally a negotiation was reached between the highjackers and the Americans surrounding the bridge. But at what stake? What dire consequenses will these terms have on the people?

Personal Review: This was an amazing read for me. I was a little confused at some parts, but it all came together in the end. I think it is a beautiful peice of work and I loved the characterizations. I admired Kate's bravery especially, finding it easiest to put my place in her shoes than in any other character's. Because this story takes place in America and the present time it is scarily easy to relate to.

Thirteen Reasons Why

Thirteen Reasons Why

by Jay Asher
Published by: the Penguin Group





Summary: Clay Jensen wasn't expecting a package, but there it was, on his bed. And the most shocking part of all was that it was sent by a dead girl. Yet when he opened the package and found a bunch of tapes, he had no idea that he would soon be hearing Hannah Baker's voice. Hannah Baker had killed herself. And now she was letting everybody know why. Each side of a tape was meant for a different person, and each person was a reason. One of her reasons. For ending her life. Clay Jensen was shocked, horrified and confused as to why he was being sent the tapes. He couldn't remember doing anything wrong when it came to Hannah, sure he'd known her, had even kissed her once, but he didn't understand how any of his actions could lead her to want to end her life. He was about to find out.





Personal Review: I couldn't put this book down. It was a little disturbing but also eye opening to how something that may seem like such a little action could affect someone else so deeply. I think this is a book that should be reccommended with extreme caution because of the ideas that it teaches. It makes it seem okay to blame another person for your actions and mistakes when in fact it is very unhealthy to do so. If you understand that, there's no problem with reading this book, it really opens your mind to the way some people think.

Cautionary Note: Like I mentioned in my review, I would think carefully of who I reccommend this book to because of the ideas it teaches.

Here is a prievew that was put together by fans showing what the movie about this book might look like. enjoy!