The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner
By James Dashner
Young Adult


The Maze Runner by James Dashner is the first in a trilogy whose trajectory is both strange and delightful. Thomas awakens one day to find himself struggling to remember his whole name, along with details of his life that should be easily accessible, but aren't. A lift delivers him to a place called The Glade. It is a walled-in community where work is assigned according to ability. Without knowing the origin of the desire, Tom knows he wants to be a runner. Runners leave the Glade daily to explore the maze that waits on the other side of it, all in the hope that the puzzle can be solved. Gladers look upon runners with a sense of awe, knowing perhaps that their destinies lie in the hands of these dedicated few.

But who would want to return to a life he can't recall? A handful of Gladers have had the misfortune of being stung by the wicked "Grievers" that haunt the maze. "The Makers" kindly send a serum along with the supplies with which they provide the Gladers, and while its application insures survival, those who have been stung must also pass through the Changing. Memories of a dark world and an unhappy existence filter through.

But when a girl arrives in the Glade when no one new was expected to show up for several weeks, suspicious eyes turn to Tom, who seemed to show up out of nowhere too. When the new Glader says his name, there is no escaping the fact that, in another life, Tom knew the strange girl called Teresa, whose words pierce into his mind. What is their connection? What does it mean for the others? Is it possible to escape the Maze after searching for clues for two years? Is escape even wise considering the memories The Changing has brought to light?

The Maze is character driven. It is mysterious and touching. Dashner's words make us simultaneously want to know more and fear where the truth might take us. The turns the story takes will anger you, delight you, thrill you...all in turn. Just when it seems there's nowhere left to go, the plot deepens. As it does so, the Gladers must learn the true meaning of concepts such as cooperation, trust, faith. The Maze Runner is fast-paced adventure writing at its best. I recommend it to anyone who's wondered who they were, what it all meant, and what might lie beyond.

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Halo
By Alexandra Adornetto
Young Adult Fiction

Dark forces are mustering, causing chaos to hold sway in the world. To combat the pervasive evil, the Creator has sent his agents into select corners of the globe. The angels Gabriel, Ivy, and Bethany are sent to a small beach-side town called Venus Cove. The first stage of their mission involves fitting into the social fabric of the community without attracting undue attention. Bethany though, is a newer angel, and is thus more susceptible to the charms and burdens of humanity. While Gabriel's and Ivy's gifts are known to them, Bethany has yet to discover her own. She is led forward by her intense curiosity, which eventually lands her in the sights of Molly, one of the most popular girls in school. She's also be noticed by Xavier, the popular but emotionally distant school captain who still seems to be privately mourning the loss of his girlfriend to a house fire.

Bethany finds herself submitting to the pressures every human teenaged girl endures. She finds herself falling in love with the elusive Xavier, while simultaneously trying to maintain a friendship with the immature Molly, who comes across as far less authentic. Her secret identity becomes a great burden to her as she grows closer to Xavier and more distant from Gabriel and Ivy as a result.

As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Bethany's greatest gift is her compassion, and she is discriminate as to who receives it, perhaps to a fault.

Jake Thorn is the new kid in town, and if a single word could be used to describe him, that word would be "seductive." Bethany trusts him at first, but as the number of evil deeds exacted in the usually quiet community rises, she suspects that Jake might have something to do with it. Together with Xavier and the angels that are posing as her brother and sister, Bethany must confront evil and bring peace to the community once more.

Halo is Adornetto's first novel, and was written when she was only 17. It is followed by a sequel called Hades, which is available now.

Proof Positive

Proof Positive
Philip Margolin
Adult Fiction


While Proof Positive is engaging enough to keep you reading, it has a disjointed feel. One first supposes that the attorney Doug Weaver will be the main character. After all, the novel begins with his contemplating the fate of his client, Raymond Hayes, whose print was found on the hammer used to murder his mother. Doug convinces Ray to plead guilty to a crime that the client denies to Doug to his bitter end. Ultimately, the prosecution's testimony sways the jury into demanding the death sentence and Doug feels that he has abandoned Ray, a sensation that is heightened by the latter's proclamation of peace right before the lethal injection is administered.

The reader is drawn after Doug as he comes to represent a Jacob Cohen, the accusations against whom include murder. Inwardly, Doug feels that his client is mentally unstable and questions the innate hatred of women which the prosecutor in a former case involving Jacob points to as motive. The reader feels that Doug might reclaim himself through Jacob, that a win for the client might absolve the attorney of the loss that pulls at the fabric of his mind.

The plot takes an unexpected turn however as an increasing amount of attention is spent on Amanda Jaffe who has agreed to assist on the Cohen murder case. We learn about a former kidnapping and the failed relationship between Ms. Jaffe and the prosecutor of a case being handled by her father. The reader anticipates some kind of relationship between Amanda and Doug, but a plot twist eliminates any chance of that.

Suddenly, an entire crime lab finds itself looking into the validity of the evidence admitted in a long list of cases in which Bernard Cashman was the forensic expert on duty.

In sum, while Proof Positive was an entertaining read, it lacked a certain luster. It failed to shine in areas where it could have. The characters were, for the most part, poorly developed. The author's emphasis was clearly on the story itself, which, with a couple of flourishes, could have been made much better than it was.

The Wind in the Willows

The Wind in the Willows
Kenneth Grahame
Juvenile Fiction

The Wind in the Willows is one of those rare books that truly appeals to readers of all ages. At first glance, the plot seems overly simplistic, and yet, upon reflection, one realizes that it is too complex to be thoroughly grasped in a single reading. At its core, the book details the relationships and adventures of 4 animals, each equipped with a unique personality.

The Mole is both thrilled and frightened by the unknown. While we might understand his motivation as enlightenment, it can also be said to be the happiness of his friends, for the Mole is self-sacrificing from the moment the Water Rat prompts him to journey into the world beyond his hole.

The Water Rat is well-acquainted with most of the other animals that share his world. More social and daring than the Mole, he is also highly rational.

While a solitary creature, the Badger is kind-hearted and inviting. He is wise and practical in a manner that suggests his age. The ideas he generates are well-thought-out; the Badger lacks the rashness of youth.

Finally, the Toad is a perfect symbol of unrestrained youth. Whereas the Mole is motivated by seeing his friends happy, the Toad is motivated by pleasing himself. He embarks on a number of catastrophic adventures and leaves his friends to worry about his welfare. He breaks the law, comes to be arrested, and uses his finely-honed deception to escape and make his way home. Toad seems humbled only when there seems to be no hope of his surviving the present ordeal, but his ego quickly returns once he's done something clever.

Most of the action in the story centers on Toad's unacceptable behavior and his friends' efforts to tame his lawlessness and deflate his ego. Toad eventually returns home to learn that his ancestral hall has been taken over by the creatures of the Wild Wood. Badger's admission that Toad's far nobler father revealed to him a way to enter the hall from the river leads the animals to formulate a plan to enter the establishment secretly. Together with some cleverness on Mole's part, the vermin are evicted.

While Toad seems changed by the end of the book, as is made evident by his refusal to dote on himself at the feast the animals throw in celebration of Toad Hall's reclamation, the reader knows better. It seems that Toad only needs the proper motivation to return to his old habits, although one can only hope that he does eventually come to understand the dire consequences of his reckless behavior.

Grahame's story accomplishes many things. It establishes the importance of being honest and loyal. It suggests that we ought to consider the possible consequences of our actions. It stresses the importance of forgiveness. Furthermore, upon completion of the book, the reader senses that what goes around comes around.

Viewed in a certain light, The Wind in the Willows is reminiscent of Homer's The Odyssey. While Toad seems far less noble than Odysseus, he is rescued from the jaws of misfortune on several occasions. He endures temptation on the road home in the form of the sea rat, but musters his strength and continues on his way, one destination being forefront in his mind.

The Wind in the Willows is one of those tales that gains meaning as we age, revealing as much about ourselves as it does about Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad, who, in some measure, are in us all.

The Bone Garden

The Bone Garden
Tess Gerritsen
Adult Fiction


When recent divorcee Julia Hamill discovers ancient bones buried on her newly-acquired property, she notifies officials and inadvertently launches a full-scale investigation into their origin. The nephew of the home's previous owner contacts Julia when he learns of the excavation, and invites her into his Maine home to assist in the examination of correspondence kept by his deceased aunt. Slowly, Julia is drawn into the mysterious life of Rose Connolly and the West End Reaper.

The majority of the action in Gerritsen's novel takes place in 1830, with documents rediscovered in the present providing the lens into historic Boston and the series of murders that plagued the city. Rose Connolly is approached by the medical student Norris Marshall as she watches her beloved sister succumb to childbed fever. She is immediately moved by his speaking out against the practices of the doctor under which he is studying.

The two become inextricably bound when they both witness the dreaded West End Reaper in the act of murder. When it comes to light that Rose's niece is the Reaper's true objective, the protagonist goes to all lengths to keep her safely hidden and fed, this while she herself endures putrid living conditions.

As Rose and Norris unravel the mystery that binds their lives to one another, they find themselves in the killer's sights. It is only with the combination of their wits, well-placed trust in allies, and unwavering faith in one another that the West End Reaper can be brought to justice.

While the historic element of The Bone Garden is intriguing, Gerritsen's decision to split her novel's action between the present and the past creates a disjointed final product. The character of Julia is not sufficiently developed to keep the reader's attention, and Gerritsen would be better off excluding her altogether. Furthermore, the mirroring of Rose and Norris's ill-fated romance in the present feels incredibly forced.

Nevertheless, the action that takes place in the 1830s, and the insights that action gives rise to, redeem the novel somewhat. Gerritsen's descriptive language transports the reader effortlessly. While the suspense is, admittedly, lacking, The Bone Garden is interesting enough to warrant a single read-through.

Rules of Vengeance

Rules of Vengeance
Christopher Reich
Adult Fiction


Rules of Vengeance by Christopher Reich is the second book in a trilogy centered around the doctor turned fugitive, Jonathan Ransom. The novel plays out like a movie, moved along by Reich's descriptive and action-oriented relaying of events seemingly disparate but inextricably interwoven. As a plot to revitalize Russia and force the world's dependence on its vast oil reserves is gradually uncovered, and as the motivations of central characters become clear, authorities must refocus their energies accordingly.

Doctor Ransom must question whether or not he has ever truly known his wife, "Emma" He knows of her involvement with a secret organization called Division, and with time has even accepted the risks associated with her less-than-legitimate line of work. He has refrained from asking too many questions when she must suddenly leave on top-secret business. When he uncovers a plot to set off an explosion in the government district of downtown London however, he feels compelled to act.

Ransom's proximity to the site of the bombing which leaves one of the contenders for the Russian presidency in serious condition is his undoing. He does the only thing his heart will let him do: he runs from the law and toward his wife-and information that might help him unravel the mysterious attack, its intended objective, and the man calling the shots.

Rules of Vengeance draws the reader in, but fails to always be clear. Minor characters are easily confused. Additionally, allegiances and sub-plotlines are a bit too inconsistent-even for a espionage-centered thriller. Despite these shortcomings, the book succeeds in exciting the senses, and begging us to reconsider all that we think we know.

Med Head

Med Head
James Patterson and Hal Friedman
Young Adult


Med Head is heartbreaking and uplifting in equal parts. Patterson and Friedman portray Tourette's Syndrome and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder through the first-person reflections of Corey Friedman, whose daily challenges seem to be more than he can bear. While Corey's specific afflictions may be foreign to the majority of readers, his introspection, desire for acceptance, and attempts to define himself will be understood by anyone who has ever had the joy of being a teenager.

Diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder early in his life, Corey often finds himself taking dozens of pills each day. The combination of certain medications is painful, often causing insomnia, inducing rage, or leading to a proliferation of the involuntary verbal and physical "tics" that make normalcy so difficult. The Friedman family is urged to continue each new regimen however, with the assurance that, eventually, some combination will successfully treat the conditions from which Corey suffers.

The reader is drawn into the day-to-day challenges of Corey's life through reflections on things as commonplace as doing homework, making friends, and trying new things. To Corey, each of these activities is a mountain to be climbed. His tics often earn him ridicule from classmates and exhausted expressions from the adults charged with insuring his success. The reader cringes ever so slightly when an excited Corey decides to write a curse word on the blackboard rather than the word of the day. His acknowledgment that alcohol brings the peace that his huge list of medications cannot tears at our hearts. Corey's athletic accomplishments have the opposite reaction, causing our hearts to sing with glee.

Most amazing of all is Corey's eventual recovery through self-imposed exposure to the elements via a wilderness camp and several therapy sessions at a local mental health facility. As he leaves the nightmare behind, Corey comes to sense the truth of what his dependence on psychiatric medication (and other substances) has done to him. Ironically, he must be forced into a situation where his brain doesn't have the option to misfire in order to break free of the prison where he has spent the majority of his life.

The book concludes with a series of instructive interviews in addition to information on Corey's various afflictions, the dangers of alcoholism, the nuanced definitions of various mental heath care professionals, and a list of additional resources.
Med Head is both engaging and enlightening, and might be used to initiate a variety of discussions on such issues as the mysteries of the human brain and the medical industry's failed attempts to treat every disorder, the importance of family and faith, the daunting struggles of adolescence, and the positive effects of patience and kindness.