A short but powerful read. I am never disappointed by Steinbeck's ability to create characters that the audience can really connect with. My favorite scene is when Lennie visits Crooks. It is a powerful section of the novella because it shows that racism is truly a socially constructed idea. If the idea of racism was at the base of what makes us human, the most innocent of all mankind (Lennie) would also experience dislike toward Crooks (which he does not). Of Mice and Men is by far my favorite read from AP English Language.

Seven Ways We Lie had potential to be an amazing YA novel but fell short in many areas. First off, I would like to give the author credit because this is the first YA novel that I have read that has had a pansexual character AND an asexual character. The characters in this book are very unique and each have their own, unique story. Unfortunately, since this book is told from seven different perspectives I did not get to know all of the characters as well as I had wanted to. Besides the lack of character development, having seven different perspectives made it hard to concentrate understand the storyline. At times I became so bored with the novel that I would put it down and not open it again for a whole week. Finally, one day when I was too sick to go to school I decided I had to finish the novel. The ending was at most average. It had nothing that shocked me or surprised me. I was not impressed to say the least.

An informative read surrounding the highly debated topic of illegal immigration from Mexico. Regan does a wonderful job of providing all sides of the debate and does not let her personal beliefs overshadow the information provided.

After reading Hemingway's short story "A Clean Well Lighted Place" I was left unimpressed. However, a classmate from my AP English Language class begged me to give Hemingway another chance. I read this entire book in one day and enjoyed it tremendously! I will be reading more of his work as soon as possible.

I had a hard time enjoying this book because I could not stand Nel. She came off as whiny and immature which made me not want to read the sections of the novel that were about her. I planned to finish this book before I left for St. Paul's (which I did!), but I will be reading it again before completing the assignment that is required for my AP Literature class.