Our Loved It/Hated It Archives

Book Reviews

Crunch Time by Mariah Fredericks
Reviewed by Dan
This was a highly suspenseful, enjoyable book. The plot was a little complicated, but overall it was an awesome book.

**** to ***** The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Reviewed by Danny
All Harry Potter books are great. J.K. Rowling makes you feel that you are experiencing it as you read.

**** Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Reviewed by Eric
Great fantasy epic! I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys fantasy, adventure, and high-paced action.

***** Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Reviewed by Emily
Ender's Game is one of the best books of the 20th century, on part with the formidable 1984 and Brave New World. Set in a world 100 years in the future, Ender's Game explores the ethics of extraterrestrial life, war, and adults who aren't yet teenagers.

***** Voices by Ursula K. LeGuin
Reviewed by Emily
Voices is an awesome book with vivid characters, a fascinating plot, and a colorful setting.

Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz
Reviewed by Dan
I have read all of Horowitz's books, especially the Alex Rider series, and this is his best book yet! I loved reading it and couldn't put it down until the last word.

In at the Death by Harry Turtledove
Reviewed by Dave
A very good finish to one of the best "what if" series ever written. This is the climax to the series about if the South won the Civil War, finishing in 1945.

Moonshine by Rob Thurman
Reviewed by Dave
A great sequel to Nightlife. Cal and Niko return to the streets of New York, where they are joined by vampires, werewolves, and banshees.

Fell
Reviewed by Kal
A good adventure book. It involves some magic. A very good read.

Uglies by Scott Westerfield
Reviewed by Kal
Very good book. I couldn't put it down. Very deep. I loved it a lot.

Making Money by Terry Pratchett
Reviewed by Dave
Terry Pratchett returns with this latest tale of Moist von Lipwig. After the elderly widow who owns the bank dies, Moist is appointed to be the bank's chairman. So begins Pratchett's latest novel.

**** Incantation by Alice Hoffman
Reviewed by Emily
This is an amazing book. If you are a fan of Holocaust literature, this book, set in the 1500s, will draw you in and never let go. You will definitely remember it.

***** Copper Sun by Sharon Draper
Reviewed by Emily
One of Sharon Draper's best books, Amari's haunting story of live as a slave in the 1800s is compelling and exciting. If you are a fan of historical fiction or action, this book is for you!

*** Epic by Conor Kostick
Reviewed by Liz
This book is just amazing. It involves a VR game, money, treasure, and adventures.

*** I Know What You Did Last Summer by Lois Duncan
Reviewed by Anon
It ends horribly.

***** The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Reviewed by Emma
I couldn't put the book down! It has action and drama. If you know about the Olympic gods this adds an exciting twist to reality.

***** Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin
Reviewed by Anon
I LOVED this book! My two friends and I had to read it for a book project (I HATE book projects) and it was my favorite!

***** The Secret Order of the Gumm Street Girls
Reviewed by Elise

**** New Moon by Stephanie Meyer
Reviewed by Alison
The sequel to Twilight.

**** Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hob
Reviewed by Mat

**** Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
Reviewed by Katie P.
It was a good book filled with entertaining short stories. Each short story gave a little insight into the author's interesting life.

*** 1/2 The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
Reviewed by Meg
An excellent book, though the second half wasn't as well written.

**** Devilish by Maureen Johnson
Reviewed by Melissa
For people who like fiction with a touch of sci-fi, this is a great book. The ending is disappointing, but the rest of the book has enough twists to keep you going.

*****+ Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick
Reviewed by Liz
This book is great because it shows the struggle of a family and the love of two people.

***** Gunpowder Empire by Harry Turtledove
Reviewed by David
A very interesting alternate history.

**** Luna by Julie Ann Peters

***** Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs

**** Skybreaker by Kenneth Oppel
Reviewed by Meggie
Skybreaker is the sequel to Airborn, which I thought was equally good. I would certainly recommend this to anyone, no matter what you like to read.

**** Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom
Reviewed by Rachel
It was a very thoughtful book with great characters.

***** Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes
Reviewed by Mer36
Shows great skills about being yourself!

**** Cut by Patricia McCormick
Reviewed by Mer36
It was short but good since it dealt with girls cutting themselves and getting well again. It also has very subtle humor.

**** A Child Called "It" by David J. Pelzer
Reviewed by Ken
Sad but good.

**** Trickster's Choice by Tamora Pierce
Reviewed by Melissa

***** The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel
Reviewed by Taylor
Too amazing for words.

**** Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs
Reviewed by Rebecca
Very interesting and shows a different point of view.

* Red Midnight by Ben Mikaelsen
Reviewed by Rachel
The characters were unrealistic. A 12-year-old crossing the ocean with his two-year-old sister -- you can obviously tell they'll get to America and things will be happy.

***** The Knife of Dreams by Robert Jordan
Reviewed by David
You should not read this book before reading the earlier books in the series.

***** Shadowland by Meg Cabot
Reviewed by Jill

**** Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Reviewed by Ken

***** Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
Reviewed by Carrie

***** Realms of the Gods by Tamora Pierce
Reviewed by Jill
It was very good -- the type of medieval fantasy I like.

*** One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies by Sonya Sones
Reviewed by Heather
This story is about Ruby and her life after her mother dies from cancer. She has to move to Los Angeles to live with her movie star dad and leave her two best friends. Ruby is upset at first that she has to move, but eventually learns a lot from her experiences.

*** Green Jasper by K.M. Grant
Reviewed by Kelsey
This is the sequel to Blood Red Horse. It is necessary to read it before Green Jasper. If you enjoyed Blood Red Horse for the beautiful and majestic Hossana, Green Jasper is a let down, as he is portrayed as a superhero, completely unrealistic. If you enjoyed Blood Red Horse for the writing, human characters, etc., Green Jasper is still an engaging historical fiction read. I was disappointed, but many others may enjoy it.

**** Blackthorn Winter by Kathryn Reiss
Reviewed by Melissa
Big twist at the end! You had to keep guessing. It was not your typical murder mystery.

***** Pendragon: The Merchant of Death by D.J. MacHale
Reviewed by Liz
This is the first in the Pendragon series and this book makes you want more. I couldn't put this down and I read it during classes! There is so much suspense you wish you could read super fast.

***** Pendragon: The Lost City of Faar by D.J. MacHale
Reviewed by Liz
This is the second book in the Pendragon series. Just like the first, you aren't let down. At the end of every chapter, you are left with clues for the next.

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
**** Reviewed by Ashley
This book is one that you will remember. It brings up many interesting topics and will keep you reading until the end.
***** Reviewed by Nell
Sad but amazing!

***** Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry
Reviewed by Keith

**** On Writing by Stephen King
Both informative and interesting, it is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in writing or Mr. King. It was the first King book I read and I was still very much able to enjoy it.

***** The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
Reviewed by Heather
This book is my new favorite! It is extremely well written and kept me up late reading it.

**** Pirattitude: So You Wanna Be a Pirate? Here's How! by John Baur and Mark Summers
Reviewed by Kelsey
A how-to book on how to be a pirate, brought to you by Cap'n Slappy and Ol' Chumbucket. Almost none of it researched but all of it funny and a definite must-read for the lover of pirates and/or humor.

***** The Redemption of Althalus by David and Leigh Eddings
Reviewed by Melissa
It is a very good book for people who like fantasy. It's not too fantasy, but still enough. It's long, but a page turner. Must read!

**** White Noise by Don Delilo
Reviewed by TOS
This book has nothing to do with the movie! If you want to be severely freaked out by the modern world, this is a great book! It also has some really great cynical humor.

**** Wish You Were Here: The Official Douglas Adams Biography by Nick Webb
Reviewed by Kelsey
Intelligent yet humorous, this is the first biography I've enjoyed reading straight through. If you have ever appreciated any of Douglas's quirky work, this is a delightful and loving addition.

**** The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Reviewed by Colleen
This was an awesome book. I couldn't put it down for longer than a day. Once you start reading it, you really get into the plot. Also, I learned a lot while reading this book. If you like mystery, you will love this book!

***** The A List: Back in Black by Zoey Dean
Reviewed by Kelly
This is a great sequel to the A-List series. Anna and her friends go to Vegas. Two unexpected guests show up. All is well until a "dress up night" and things just go down from there. Cammie has some competition and a night of truth surprises them all. Dee just can't handle it anymore and just breaks down.

**** Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Reviewed by Katherine
Little Women is the wonderful story of the adventures of the four March daughters. Filled with different personalities, the reader explores Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy's happiness and tragedy. Though we watch the girls transform from little women to mothers, one thing never changes— a family will always be there for you in good times and bad. I read this book for a book report and enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. I was most impressed by the timeless characters of the March girls. I was amazed how realistic they were and how natural the dialogue between them was. Even though Little Women is an old book, don't let this discourage you. After you finish it, this book will become a favorite immediately. I would recommend Little Women for the preteen to teenage girl audience though it was written in the 1800s, the situations can be applied to 2006. And I promise there's not hard-to-understand 1800s lingo!! Also, if you enjoyed this book, be sure to read Little Men and Jo's Boys (a continuation of this book) and be sure to see the movie!

*** Man and Superman by George Bernard Shaw
Skip the intro! It was very witty in some parts, but other parts were simply drawn out. Act III is by far the best!

**** Warriors by Erin Hunter
A very unique series. It always had me waiting anxiously for the next installment. It also included the occasional bloody battle, which made me very happy.

***** Guitar Highway Rose by Brigid Lowry
Reviewed by: Nell
This book is amazing! The way it is written is so great. It bounces back from character to character throughout the story. I suggest it to anybody who has ever dreamt of just getting away for a while.

***** Away Laughing on a Fast Camel by Louise Rennison
Reviewed by: Katrina
Super funny! Can't wait for the next one in the series.

**** Lion Boy by Zizou Corder
Reviewed by: Mindy
It has a really good plot line. A boy's parents, two well-known scientists, are kidnapped and now Charley must save them. On his way, he finds a group of circus lions who wish to go to Africa. The writing style of this book was, well, I'm not sure what to say, confusing?

Movie and TV Reviews

**** Nancy Drew
Reviewed by Anon
Kinda freaky.

Spiderman 3
***** Reviewed by Anon
It was awesome!

**** Reviewed by Alison
It's much darker than the previous movies. Peter Parker gains more enemies along with a dark Spidey suit that brings out his inner rebel. Action isn't as involved as in the others. A little cheesy and corny but in a good way.

Pirates of the Caribbean: World's End
***** Reviewed by Liz
The best! I'm not giving anything away -- see it for yourself!

****1/2 Reviewed by Anon
This movie is amazing! Tons of fighting and funny Johnny Depp jokes. Be sure to stay after the credits for an extra scene.

**** Live Free or Die Hard
Reviewed by Melissa
If you like action movies, go see Live Free or Die Hard. The intensity starts right away and doesn't stop until the credits.

**** 1408
Reviewed by Melissa
1408 is not just a horror movie. It actually makes you think. It is scary, though, so view at your own risk.

***** 300
Reviewed by The Dude
This movie was very intense and gory. It starts out slow but has a fantastic plot. An item of caution is that it has more nudity than other movies in some parts.

***** Night at the Museum
Reviewed by Ken

**** Akeelah and the Bee
Reviewed by Ashley
This movie may seem kind of corny or like a low-scale movie but it is very cute and inspirational and is a good movie for any age, including friends, parents, siblings or kids you babysit for. It is uplifting and inspiring.

***** The Exorcist (original)
Reviewed by Chicken and Cheese
It is a movie that deals with a mind-blowing idea of the devil taking over someone's body. It is a really creepy movie that I would recommend to anyone.

**** Over the Hedge
Reviewed by Alli
It was an average kid movie but it was cute and really funny!

***** Mission Impossible III
Reviewed by Nell

***** Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (BBC Broadcast)
Reviewed by Kelsey
Even better than the movie and closer to the book and radio series. Special effects may be lacking, but they are used wonderfully. It's definitely worth a watch if you want a laugh.

***** Poseidon
Reviewed by Melissa
If you're looking for an action-packed movie, see Poseidon. Once it gets going, it never stops until the credits!

***** Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Very good. It left me hanging and wondering when it left off. The three-way fight was awesome!

***** Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Reviewed by Kelsey
More fantastical and lighter-hearted than the first movie with a slightly different feel but awesomely good all the same! All fans of the first will probably enjoy the second.

**** High School Musical
Reviewed by Alli
I loved this movie. They had great music and it was funny. It's a sweet story. Troy Bolton, who played Zac Efron, is really hot!

**** King Kong
Reviewed by: Maria
I feel a little bit guilty reviewing this movie, considering all the hype it's been getting, but it is really a great movie. I've been a fan of the original which was made in 1933 for a long time. If you've seen the new one but not the original, I also highly recommend that one… it's impressive how advanced it is for being over 70 years old. The new movie is spectacular, whether or not you're a fan of the classic. The characters and special effects were great, and the movie rally gives King Kong a personality, which is awesome. Totally worth three hours.

***** Cinderella Man
Reviewed by: Alli
This movie is good because it shows how people got work in the Great Depression. It shows how families got by with food and their kids. It makes you laugh, cry, and hurt. I (heart) this movie.

***** National Treasure
Reviewed by: Heather
If you have not seen this movie, you need to! This is one of the best adventure movies I have ever seen!! (Aside from The Day After Tomorrow.) It really keeps you on the edge of your seat. This movie is also funny and exciting. I give this movie 5 stars, so… go rent it!!!

***** Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Reviewed by: Nell
I (heart) this movie!!! This is definitely the best HP movie yet. There is so much action and adventure! The story is more complex and interesting. The way it is directed is inspiring.

***** Red Eye
Reviewed by: Alli
I thought it was great. It is a movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommended.

****1/2 Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (movie)
Reviewed by: Kaiti and Carrie
It makes you wanna dance. They wear cool dresses.

*****!!!! Phantom of the Opera (movie) by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Reviewed by: Kaiti and Carrie
Phantom of the Opera is a brilliant work of pure genius! I love it so much! I own the soundtrack and the movie!

***** Hitch (movie)
Reviewed by: Kelly
Hilarious!

**** The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (movie) by Douglas Adams
Reviewed by: Kelsey and Mindy
"So long, and thanks for all the fish!" The fact that Adams himself wrote most the screenplay is not lost on the movie, which is filled with many of the same jokes (and some new plot twists). Very enjoyable. It was really well done!

CD Reviews

**** How to Save a Life by the Fray
Reviewed by Ashley
The Fray is a great band and their songs are very good and entertaining. They appeal to all different types of people. "How to Save a Life" is my favorite song.

**** Get Behind Me Satan by The White Stripes
Reviewed by N. Schulz
The fifth album by the duo offers more diversity than the previous blues-punk-based records, as best evidenced by the frightening (good) "The Nurse," which is more marimba than anything else. But songs like the opener "Blue Orchid" prove that in spite of this newfound eclecticism, they still rock.

*** Sam's Town by The Killers
Reviewed by Kate
This new CD has the same sound as the old one, but new and exciting, as well as catchy, lyrics.

***** Trout Mask Replica by Captain Beefheart
Reviewed by Nathan
With such a compelling mixture of surrealistic poetry and complex songwriting, this is rock's most compelling argument to be taken as a serious, high art.

**** How to Save a Life by The Fray
Reviewed by Heather
This is my favorite CD (as of this moment!)

***** Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme by Simon and Garfunkle
The neglected S&G album with some beautiful songs not usually mentioned among their top tens. "Flowers Never Bend With the Rainfall" and "Poem on the Underground Wall" are two of my all-time favorites, among others.

***** Move Along by the All American Rejects
Reviewed by Nell
This is the best album of the 2 AAR releases! The best song on the album is "Move Along." The songs are so original and well written. The vocals are great and all of the songs are definite toe-tappers. Don't miss it!

Cool Links

Jerry the Frog Productions
The Legendary Lilypad
Reviewed by Kelsey
Lovely renditions of Harry Potter movies, LOTR, Star Wars, and all other things that can be made funny. (The two sites are not related.)

**** The Adventures of Dr. McNinja
Reviewed by Jessica
He's a doctor and a ninja. What's not to love?

***** Online Comics Network
Reviewed by Maria
This site is a sort of "home base" for about a dozen different web comics. Their subjects rage from video gamers to indie rockers. My personal favorites are "Dr. McNinja" and "Questionable Content."

*** Toothpaste for Dinner
Reviewed by: Maria
This is a really odd little site that I stumbled upon a little while ago, although it's been around for a few years. Toothpaste for Dinner is a web comic with oddly drawn characters in single-panel comics. The humor is sometimes very bizarre and sometimes a perfect imitation of real life events, but always deadpan and totally hysterical. The cartoonist is brilliant at using simple drawings, works, and situations to make you laugh like crazy.