Book Review: Life of Pi - Yann Martel

Life of Pi - Yann Martel

After the tragic sinking of a cargo ship, one solitary lifeboat remains bobbling on the wild, blue Pacific.  The only survivors from the wreck are a sixteen-year-old boy named Pi, a hyena, a zebra (with a broken leg), a female orangutan...and a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger.

The scene is set for one of the most extraordinary works of fiction in recent years.

4/5 stars (really liked it)

I thought this book was well written and very thought provoking.  Pi shows incredible strength and compassion.  Even when things look so bleak he tried his best to survive and provide for Richard Parker.  He goes through and incredible journey, not just physically but emotionally.  I like how we get glimpses of him as an adult living in Canada and as a boy trying to survive on a lifeboat.

Book Review: Until the Beginning - Amy Plum

Until the Beginning - Amy Plum

When Juneau's clan disappeared, she lost so much more than her friends and family.  She soon discovered everything she though she knew about her life was a lie.  Her people's gifts were actually secret abilities that others wanted, desperately enough to kidnap an entire village.

Juneau and her new companion Miles's cross-country journey to find her clan has led them to a game preserve in New Mexico.  Now Juneau's people are finally within reach, and she will stop at nothing to save them.  But she has a target on her back too, because unbeknownst to her she is the key to unlocking everything.  To rescue her people - and herself - Juneau must discover what she, and her abilities, are truly capable of.

3/5 stars (liked it)

I like Miles even more in this book.  I also really like that we finally got to see Juneau's clan and her father.  I thought it was a great conclusion to this two book series.  Miles has become more confident and deals with his past, which includes his mother.  Juneau also deals with her past, and the past of the clan.