Teen Book Reviews: Summer 2022

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams 
Review by E.B
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"Don't Panic.” That's what the cover of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. And that's exactly the message Arthur Dent needs to hear. Arthur wakes up to learn that his home is about to be demolished to make room for a new road. But Dent's house isn't the only thing getting destroyed that day. In fact, the house demolition is pretty insignificant in the grand scheme of Arthur Dent's life. What really matters is that the alien Vogons are about to destroy the Earth to make room for a hyperspace bypass! Luckily for Arthur, his friend Ford Prefect, who Arthur always thought was an out-of-work actor, is really a Betelgeusian researcher for a revised edition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Thanks to Ford's knowledge, the duo is able to hitch a ride on a flying saucer. Through a highly improbable chain of events, Arthur and Ford end up traveling with some unusual companions. The first is Ford's old friend, the ex-president of the Galaxy Zaphod Beeblebrox, stealer of the Heart of Gold. The second is a girl (Trillian) whom Arthur unsuccessfully (and Zaphod successfully) tried to pick up at a cocktail party. The last is Marvin, a super-intelligent and extremely depressed robot. Together, this motley crew journeys, discovers the answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything. They also struggle to evade life-threatening mice and policemen. 

This book is bound to hook you in, and not let you go until you've reached the last page. This book is also guaranteed to keep you laughing out loud the entire time. In addition to crazy adventures, this title contains countless comical bits of galactic knowledge. By reading The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, you will not just hear Arthur Dent's entertaining story. You will hear about the incredibly dim-witted Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal, the reasons for a towel being one of your most handy possessions, the origins of the Improbability Drive, and much more. With these tidbits of knowledge, the galaxy will definitely become a funnier place. If you love a light, hilarious read packed with action, this book is for you!
 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Review by Alondra S.
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This book is so good. It has great character development and the plot is adventurous and interesting. The characters in the book are very strong and independent especially the main three (Harry, Hermione, and Ron). I love when they work together but also when they living their lives as regular kids. I enjoy how this book is the beginning of the series because it starts off so well and brighter than later books and movies. Speaking of the movies, the book tells much more than the movie which is good because I like to learn more about the characters and their backstory. I rate it a 8/10 and would definitely read again.

The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
Review by E.B..
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Action, love, and revenge are three words that summarize Alexandre Dumas’ The Three Musketeers. D'Artagnan, the main character, is a young Gascon who has come to Paris to seek his fortune. But his life is far from smooth. In the first chapter, D'Artagnan is injured in a duel and then has a crucial letter of recommendation stolen from him. After successfully getting to Paris and meeting Monsieur de Treville, the captain of the Musketeers, D'Artagnan offends and schedules duels with three of Treville's best fighters. Due to an interesting twist, though, these four men become the best of friends. With his fighting skills and valiance, D'Artagnan could be a great knight. But what kind of a dashing hero would D'Artagnan make without a beautiful lady to care for? Don't worry, because Dumas has a love interest ready! After heroically rescuing his landlady, Madame Constance Bonacieux, D'Artagnan is so struck by her beauty that he is willing to go on a long quest for the sake of his love (and the queen of France). To ensure success, he brings along his new friends, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. The quest turns out to be more hazardous than expected. The evil Cardinal Richelieu has set up many dangerous agents along the path of the Musketeers and D'Artagnan. Only with their combined strength are the four friends able to make it through. But the story doesn't end there. When a lady is mysteriously abducted, the four friends find themselves caught up in an adventure with revenge, anger, and the demonic Lady de Winter at its core. Who is this evil beauty? What is her story? And how is she connected to the four friends? For all these answers, you must read this riveting novel.