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Litspiration Challenge #2

Description:

 This is a scene from the book The Gathering. It is meant to show the prologue. I think that this event in the book is what drives the book. On the right it shows Serena, having the life sucked out of her, and on the left is Maya. In the book it says that she felt something like a hand around her leg, pulling her down. She is also pulled under for a while and the thing doesn't let go until she hits the bottom. To draw this was incredibly tough for me because I am personally NOT an artist so this drawing took me quite a while to finish. I will not say whether Serena, or Maya, die. For that, you will have to read the book!

Divergent Book Review (Peer Review)

Divergent

Book By: Veronica Roth

Book Review By: Maitri P.

            “One choice can transform you.” This line, which can be found at the back of the book, is what drew me into reading this book. That, and Aidan’s amazing review! Aidan stated that “Divergent is an amazing example of character development”, and I couldn’t agree more. He also stated that “the message of the novel was good conquering evil”, but I feel that it was more about finding yourself and the journey you take in order to show who you are. As I was reading I came across a quote that read, “I feel like someone breathed new air into my lungs. I am not Abnegation. I am not Dauntless. I am Divergent.” I think that is the first time she states that she is Divergent without being scared, and to me it shows that she has finally accepted herself as who she is. Aidan said that the theme of this book was very similar to the theme of The Hunger Games. I think the theme of The Hunger Games was about the differences between the individuals, and the state while Divergent has a theme of the constant struggle that every human being goes through, thinking what you are expected to think, or following your heart. Overall, as I stated in the beginning, Aidan’s book review is what pulled me in to actually read this novel, and I am certainly glad that I did.

            Divergent led me to think about my society, and how I would feel if I was born into a society like the one displayed in the book. I started to wonder what faction I would fit into and if I would truly be able to leave my family and let my faction be what defines me. I felt that the society in the book was really restraining and I couldn’t help but wonder how individuals would be able to live in the separate factions, and how there weren’t many people with divergence. That was my favorite part of the book, because it caused me to think deeply about my surroundings and helped me make connections with the world around me. Veronica Roth created the character of Beatrice very dynamic, which I feel, helps to make all individuals connect with her. Many times in the book she would become a very strong-headed individual and yet, in another part of the book she is still a teenage girl trying to find where she belongs. I thought that factor is what helped individuals connect with all of her characters. The plot of the novel was obviously well thought out but had many unexpected twists and turns. When I got really into the book and would predict something, I would usually find something that I never predicted would happen. To find out what I am talking about, you have to read this amazing book and of course, the sequel is available now (Insurgent). Divergent is a book for anyone who is willing to take the time out for it, because it can take you a while to read, but I can assure you it is a book worth your time!

The Mark Of Athena Book Review (Peer Review)

The Mark Of Athena

Book By: Rick Riordan

Review By: Maitri P.

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            Mark of Athena was on of the best books from the Percy Jackson series. Some points that Heather talked about are the characters and the role they play in the book. For starters she mentioned two of the main characters and how their personalities were incredibly diverse. I felt like that made a major contribution to the reason why so many individuals enjoy this book. There was a variety of evidence that was provided showing how different the characters truly are, from their names to their, they were completely different but somehow they still became friends. Heather also mentioned that the whole novel revolved around the journeys that Percy and Annabeth had gone through. Personally, I believe that the novel is not only about those two individuals, in fact it revolves more around all seven of the characters, their struggles and their relationship with each other, which were constantly spoken of throughout the book.

            I felt that the author did a remarkable job on this novel and it is definitely something that you should read. The theme that the author has embedded into the novel really touches people’s hearts, whether they realize it or not. It reminds you to never loose hope, and indicates that nothing is impossible. Throughout the book, the quest of the seven heroes provokes many challenges and arises many dangers, yet they always manage to overcome what is thrown at them. Since this book is one of the many books of it’s series, I feel that it is exceptionally important to find a connection between each book and to make the ending of each suspenseful. Rick Riordan has always managed to do exactly that. Unlike other novels, Riordan didn’t lag when it came to the rising action. He succeeded to keep it suspenseful throughout the book, which never lets you put the book down. The best thing about this novel is that people, of basically all ages, can connect with this book. Whether it is the fantasy, the suspense, or the emotions presented, people will always feel that they have become a part of the narrative so I definitely recommend you read the Percy Jackson series and make your way up to reading The Mark of Athena.