By: Kelly Palacios ‘17, Staff Writer & Journalism Student 

The BHS Reads activity took place on September 20 and discussions centered around the following books: “1776”, “Kindred”, “City of Bones”, “The Girl Who Fell From the Sky”, “Witch and Wizard”, “Phantoms”, “Cat’s Cradle”, “Extraordinary Means”, “Purple Heart”, “Not a Game”, “Bleachers”, “Inkheart” and “If I Grow Up”. These books were carefully chosen by the BHS Reads Committee last year and students were able to pick the novel they wanted to read over the summer. The BHS Reads Committee includes Maddy Cleary (‘19), Christina DaSilva (‘19), Elena Gonzalez (‘17), Kaylen Luu (‘17), Caroline Nordmann (‘19), Ekam Rai (‘17), and Madison Siegal (‘19).

If you liked “Cat’s Cradle…”

“Breakfast of Champions” by Kurt Vonnegut

Written by the same author as “Cat’s Cradle,” this novel uses the same sharp wit Vonnegut employs in every new plot. It tells the story of “two lonesome, skinny, fairly old white men on a planet which was dying fast”. The two men are known as Hoover and Trout and are about as different as two characters can get. Hoover, a wealthy businessman, reads Trout’s, an obscure writer, novel and takes what he writes as fact. What ensues is a satire filled with hidden knowledge and extreme consequences similar to “Cat’s Cradle”.

If you liked “City of Bones”…

“Shatter Me” by Tahereh Mafi

This book neatly fits into the young adult science fiction genre, similar to “City of Bones”. It follows the journey of Juliette Ferrars as she discovers the extent of her own powers and learns more truths about the world surrounding her. Mafi utilizes a unique writing style, including crossed out lines throughout the novel that help develop Juliette’s character and the tone of the novel. Similar to the “City of Bones” protagonist, Juliette must decide her place in the world and learn to navigate life with her powers.

If you liked “1776… “

“His Excellency: George Washington” by Joseph J. Ellis

Using accurate historical accounts, Ellis paints a picture of the life and career of George Washington in 18th century America. This novel clearly recounts both George Washington’s beginnings and the profound influence that he had on the nation. This biography of George Washington is particularly interesting because it focuses on the hidden persona of Washington, aside from his stoic image that is most well known.