This historical biography encapsulates the life story of a boy, Joe Rantz, who joins the University of Washington rowing team in order to get his life back together in the midst of an economic depression. Boys in the Boat not only illustrates the physical and emotional toll being a rower at a high-level program has on an individual, but also how competing in such a taxing sport can be so rewarding and fulfill voids that are missing in one’s life.
Visitations is the story of a family that has been torn apart by family disputes, mental illness and religion. It is haunting and sad, but also sheds a hopeful light on children's ability to recover and heal. The author is the main character in this book, and it was told from his life experience. The novel details the traumatic experiences and relationships Corey had to endure through his mother's mental illness and devotion to Mormonism.
The Killer's Shadow is a true crime novel that covers the hunt for a notorious white supremacist serial killer Joseph Paul Franklin. Instead of traditional investigation tactics, the book delves into the behavioral analysis aspects of the FBI. It begins in the 1970’s, around the time of Franklin's first murders, and stretches until his capture almost 15 years later. The book not only covers Franklin's crimes, but the motive and reason behind them.
Cliff's Notes' summary of The Great Gatsby offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of Fitzgerald's masterpiece, proving a valuable tool for students pressed for time. It successfully hits the major plot points, outlining the tragic love story and the complexities of the characters' relationships. The summary does a commendable job of incorporating significant details, giving a solid foundation for understanding the narrative.
The House of My Mother by Shari Franke was an incredibly captivating book about the influence of family vlogging on Shari Franke and her siblings. Coming into this book, I had a lot of knowledge on this case as I grew up watching 8 Passengers. Like many of their fans, I also was incredibly shocked at hearing about the trauma and sadistic influence that Jodi Hildebrant and Ruby Franke had on the family.
The Ugly Cry: A Memoir is a heartfelt, humorous nonfiction novel that revisits the author’s childhood. Raised by her fiercely independent grandmother in New York, Danielle has a life filled with unexpected challenges and hilarious lessons. The memoir dives into Danielle’s experiences growing up in a busy family environment, including her mother’s absence, struggles with racism as a Black girl in a white town and the resilience she had.
AP Physics 1 Premium Prep by The Princeton Review (10th Edition) is a valuable resource for students preparing for the AP Physics 1 exam, particularly due to its extensive collection of practice problems, which are both plentiful and high quality. These problems provide ample opportunities for students to apply concepts, practice critical thinking, and build problem-solving skills necessary for the exam.
Mary Wuerth's AP Biology Premium 2025 offers a comprehensive resource for AP Biology test preparation, balancing its strengths with some limitations. Its most notable advantage is its inclusion of six practice tests, which provide students with ample opportunities to apply their knowledge under exam-like conditions, fostering familiarity with the test format.
5 Steps to a 5: AP Human Geography 2024 offers a clear, step-by-step approach to exam preparation, making it an accessible choice for students seeking a structured study plan. Its inclusion of four practice tests and an online course provides a balanced combination of traditional and interactive learning tools. The book’s concise review format ensures that students can efficiently grasp key concepts without feeling overwhelmed by excessive detail.
The Princeton Review: AP World History: Modern Premium Prep (5th Edition) is a comprehensive resource designed to help students prepare for the AP exam through detailed content review, six full-length practice tests, and effective test-taking strategies. Its premium online extras provide additional learning tools, and the Princeton Review’s established reputation enhances its credibility.
