The House of the Scorpion

The House of the Scorpion, by Nancy Farmer, is a book about a young boy named Matt who is a clone of a mafia godfather like figure named El Patron. The book is set in a futuristic world where Mexico and the United States have been separated by a country called Dreamland. El Patron is one of the leaders of dreamland, and an opium baron. The book is split into parts by different time periods in Matt's life. As Matt grows up, he learns more about what it means to be a clone, and with the help of a girl named Maria, Matt discovers a horrible truth about his relationship with El Patron. Told with very little violence in a way that makes you forget you are reading a science fiction book, The House of the Scorpion is a great choice for younger science fiction readers.

I enjoyed House of the Scorpion because as the story progressed, Matt learned more and more about what it really means to be a clone. As he comes closer to the horrible truth, the book becomes more and more suspenseful, which is something that I like in my science fiction books. I also enjoyed the way the author could take a dire situation, and infuse enough charm in it to make it seem as though it were not as dire. This lead to a feeling of suspense with out the deep worry about what would happen to your favorite characters. Overall, The House of the Scorpion is great for new science fiction readers who are in elementary and middle school, and who want a fairly long read to tide them over the summer.

Looking for Alaska

Looking for Alaska, by John Green, is a novel about a young man named Miles "Pudge" Halter whose love for last words drive him to search for the "Great Perhaps" ( The last words of Francois Rabelais). He travels to boarding school where his life is turned upside down by Alaska Young, a quirky girl who as an event all on by herself. Alaska takes Pudge along for the ride on her roller coaster of a life. Pudge is pulled into the inescapable world of Alaska Young and the crazy happenings around Culver Creek Boarding School. He meets new friends, makes new enemies, and does more within the first month than he thought he could ever do in a lifetime.

I enjoyed Looking for Alaska a lot. It offered a good view of teenage life, but had enough scandal and twists to keep me entertained in places where I normally would not have been. Though the story sounds like one about a boy becoming a man through a process of trials that are placed before him, it is really a story about dealing with loss. The book is set up in a distinctive two parts, and the contrast between the moods and tone of the parts made me reflect of the book all the more. However, the abrupt change in style does not distract you from the plot, but rather it enhances your understanding of the characters, and gives you even more to think about than you had before.

As it would seem, this is a book for high school students, and even though it could entertain some adults, I think that they may want to pick up another book. Though they may receive something from the plot-line, it is very little compared to what a high school student might get out of reading the book. Looking for Alaska is a powerful novel, and a great read for high school students.