Thomas wakes up in a box with only his name in his memory. He discovers that he is in a “paradise” like world, with a bunch of other boys in a group called Gladers. They all live in the Glade, which is surrounded by a maze. In the maze are monsters called Grievers, bulbous creatures with spiky appendages designed to kill. The Gladers have all been trapped for two years, and Thomas might be their only key to escape the maze. When the first girl ever arrives in the Glade, and the Grievers start invading the Glade, Thomas and others lead the Gladers in a fight for freedom.
Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story, directed by Neil Blomkamp at Sony Productions, and starring Archie Madweke, Darren Barnet, Geri Halliwell, Djimon Hounsou, Orlando Bloom, and David Harbour, came to theaters on August 25, 2023 (Rotten Tomatoes). It provides insight on something many of the watchers cannot experience personally: racing professionally on a racetrack.
Summary: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a historical novel set during World War II, focusing on the lives of two French sisters, Vianne and Isabelle Rossignol. As the Nazis occupy France, Vianne is forced to endure the hardships and moral dilemmas of living under enemy rule while trying to protect her daughter. Meanwhile, the rebellious Isabelle joins the French Resistance, risking her life to save downed Allied airmen and undermine the German forces.
Thunderhead is the second book in the Scythe book series. This book specifically focuses on the Thunderhead, the big cloud-like technology that controls everything, and corruption within the Scythedom. Citra gleans using her compassionate methods and Rowan hunts down corrupt Scythes. Meanwhile, the Thunderhead is growing worried about the corruption, yet it can’t do anything about it due to its limitations.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is an amazing book that tackles themes of race, identity, and justice. The main character Starr Carter is a 16 year old African American girl who has two lives:her rich prep school and her poor neighborhood. For most of her life, they stayed separate, but it all changes when Starr’s friend Khalil is wrongfully shot by a police officer who presumed that Khalil pulling out a comb was Khalil pulling out a gun.
The Cruel Prince, a novel written by Holly Black, introduces us to the world of Faerie. Jude Duarte, our main character, is a mortal, along with her twin sister, living in a world of immortals. Jude wants nothing more than to prove herself and show that she can be their equal. She craves power and is very cunning. This book is full of plot twists, betrayal, and incredible world-building. Each character is complex and has secret ulterior motives.
Shatter Me, written by Tahereh Mafi, introduces the main character Juliette Ferrars. She is imprisoned for a power beyond her control. No one can touch her without feeling pain. When unexpectedly released, she must navigate a world different from the one before her imprisonment. Some want her for selfish gain and others wish only to help her. It is up to Juliete to decide who to follow and how to use her powers.
Summary: In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the third installment of J.K. Rowling's iconic series, Harry returns to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his third year. The story unfolds with the escape of Sirius Black, a dangerous prisoner believed to have betrayed Harry's parents. As Harry grapples with the mysterious connection between Black and his past, he navigates challenges, encounters new characters, and discovers the importance of time in unraveling the truth.
Summary: In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry is unexpectedly entered into the Triwizard Tournament, a dangerous magical competition. As he navigates deadly tasks, he uncovers a dark plot involving Lord Voldemort's return to power. The story explores themes of friendship, courage, and the challenges of growing up in the wizarding world.
Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut is a satirical novel that explores the absurdity of human pursuits and the destructiveness of technological advancements. The story follows the narrator, John (or Jonah), as he attempts to write a book about the day the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. His research leads him to the enigmatic Dr. Felix Hoenikker, the inventor of the apocalyptic substance Ice-Nine, which can freeze water instantly.
