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36 Questions That Changed My Mind About You

Vicki Grant

36 Questions that Changed My Mind About You is a romantic comedy style book. With a failed meet-cute of Betty and Bob who meet through a psychology study. They are both there for different reasons, one to find love or at least something like it and the other who has no idea what he’s in for, he just needs the money from the study. Opposites attract in this strange and cute story. It goes through the main character Betty/Hildy’s point of view for most of the novel and her journey to the university and to this study of human connections.  

 

It’s about finding yourself, and has a lot of truth and honesty, even when the characters are trying their hardest to keep their true selves a secret and separate from the other, who is a virtual stranger. They may even know more about each other than their friends do. First impressions aren’t always as they seem, not everyone shows you who they really are upon first meeting, but maybe that can change, once you get to know someone, even a stranger.   

 

The story was overall light and a quick read, however I found the character development a little lacking especially in main character Betty/Hildy. However, Bob/Paul was a unique character different from most books, especially surprising for this genre. It was an enjoyable read but somethings I found a little unrealistic, and I felt the ending was a little abrupt. Also, the story was slightly repetitive at times, but that may have been the nature of the book and the repetitive vibe the psychology study gave. I would still recommend this book to readers who enjoy romantic comedies and meet-cutes. –Zoe P.   

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Rot and Ruin

Jonathan Maberry

In a world plagued by zombies, Benny Imura is a resident of one of the few fenced communities that offers protection from the hellish world beyond. The community insists that upon turning 15, all its citizens must find work. After months of searching for an easy sounding job, Benny begrudgingly accepts an apprenticeship with his annoyingly righteous older brother, Tom. A respected and honourable zombie hunter, Tom seems to have gained everyone’s admiration except Benny’s. In hopes of teaching him the ways of hunting, he eagerly hires Benny and starts his training. Benny does not expect much from this job or his brother for that matter, but what he discovers beyond the fence reveals things that challenge what he thought true, and teaches him valuable lessons on humanity and himself.   

 Rot and Ruin not only contained fast paced action, but was also a coming-of -age story that through the story of a boy in a post apocalyptic world, made you think about the real monsters in life — us. 
 Personally I loved this book and the way it combined brutal zombie killing action with real life lessons that can be applied out of the zombie apocalypse context. It was full of heart and taught the importance of family, friends, and love. Combined with Jonathan Maberry’s writing style and the surprises that always lurked around the corner, this novel never had a dull moment. An undoubtedly riveting read, I recommend it to any zombie fan or anybody wanting a truly heartfelt book. –Fiorella M.  

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A Long Way Gone

Ishmael Beah

The book A Long Way Gone is an exciting nonfiction story about the life of Ishmael Beah during the civil war in Sierra Leone. With this book being a nonfiction story the entirety of its contents are all from the author Ishmael Beah. The book starts out with Ishmael leaving his village with his brother and friends to go to a talent show. They plan to perform a rap song that they found while watching TV. When they reach the town, things do not go as planned as the RUF (the rebels) attack the town and send all of its inhabitants in every direction. Ishmael does meet up with his brother and friends and continues to travel from town to town to look for his father, but eventually Ishmael Beah is forced to become a child soldier.   

 

A Long Way Gone portrays loss and discovery in amazing and clear detail. From simple scenery to the most sentimental of moments, this book focuses mainly on Ishmael Beah and his struggle with being forced to become a child soldier and how his redemption and eventual reintroduction to society goes. Ishmael Beah did a great job by writing this book and releasing it in a way that both children and adults alike can relate to the stresses and situations portrayed. If you want a great quick read with only twenty one chapters, that will leave you satisfied, then this is the book choice for you. – Michael S. 

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Image result for the pursuit of happynessThe Pursuit of Happyness

Director:  Gabriele Muccino

The Pursuit of Happyness is a film directed by Gabriele Muccino and was created in 2006. The film stars world-renowned actor Will Smith as he takes on the role of a struggling, single father, Chris Gardner. Inspired by the true story, the film depicts the life of a San Francisco salesmen who struggles to make a future for himself, as he is accompanied by his 5 year-old son whom he has to take care of. Chris’s determination pays off when he lands an unpaid internship in a brutally competitive stockbroker-training program, where only one in twenty interns will make the cut. But without a salary, Chris and his son are evicted from their apartment and are forced to sleep on the streets, in homeless shelters and even behind the locked doors of a metro station bathroom. This heartwarming yet saddening film shows the hardships that Chris must overcome in order to ensure his and his son’s survival. This eventually leads him to become a Wall Street legend.  

 

Having seen this movie on numerous occasions, it has become a personal favourite. Films such as this one, often leave the audience motivated and humbled when they witness individuals overcome everyday conflicts that many endure. In society, the reality of many being financially unstable and deprived is often sugar-coated, but this film will definitely pull on a few of our heart strings. Will Smith’s performance makes the film even better as he and his biological son, who is also in the film, depict the life of many broken families who are able to tackle issues together. Parents are able to relate to this as they will do anything to provide their children with a successful life. The Pursuit of Happyness should definitely be on everyone’s ‘To Watch’ lists as this one will not disappoint. –Iffat A.