Book Reviews!

Guest Book Reviews by Jennifer Sanchez

“Real Justice: Guilty of Being Weird”

The Story of Guy Paul Morin

By: Cynthia J. Faryon

This book takes place in the 1980s in Ontario, Canada.  Guy Paul is a 24 year old who lives at home with his parents.  He is a beekeeper who tends to flowers for his hives.  Guy plays saxophone and clarinet in a band and neither drinks nor consumes drugs.  His neighbors find it odd that he keeps to himself and isn’t a “normal” young adult who parties and is into cars not bees!  One day, his neighbor of nine years of age, Christine Jessop, is murdered.  Police and detectives search for the body and is found but the murderer is yet to be found.  Six months later all evidence points to Guy Paul as the murderer.  Yet, Guy swears he never even touched Christine.

This book is an easy read with 130 pages and a glossary in the back to help with unfamiliar terms.  The author, Cynthia J. Faryon, is a native to Canada.  Her book is nominated for the White Pine 2014 non-fiction award.  Like the award implies, this book is non-fiction.  This means this is the true story of a real man named Guy Paul in Ontario, Canada.  Faryon brilliantly crafts the plot in such a way that makes the audience read from cover to cover.  Bits of information are added here and there. 

Guy Paul’s story gives a first hand experience of the judicial system and impacts of science. 

So, is Guy Paul innocent like he claims to be or is he not ready to do the time for his crime?  And, if he didn't commit the crime, then who did? 

“Eleanor and Park”

By: Rainbow Rowell 

Rainbow Rowell is a fairly new author with her first work published in 2011.  Her book, Eleanor and Park, is a Printz Honor Book.  This fiction book has 325 pages and is recommended for ages 14+.  The book is written in a narrative form that alternates between Eleanor’s point of view and Park’s.  This allows the reader to see what both characters are thinking. 

Eleanor has recently moved in back with her family after her stepfather kicked her out for a year.  Her stepfather is abusive and controlling but her mother doesn’t see a way out.  Her mother married for life you see.  Aside from the dysfunctional family, Eleanor transfers into a new school.  The students aren’t very warming because they find Eleanor’s clothes and physical appearance as below them.  However, she does gradually become friends with Park.  Not only do they become good friends, but eventually end up in a relationship.  Eleanor has trouble understanding why a guy like Park would be attracted to her but still enjoys the time with him.  Park at times finds it uncomfortable to be seen around Eleanor due to her appearance but can’t deny his love for her.  He feels he has to protect her from his immature classmates and his own family.  Despite all of this, Eleanor and Park have to be careful with their relationship.  Eleanor is terrified her stepfather may find out and kill her!  Their relationship is put at risk many times but one event puts them to the real test. 

Will Eleanor and Park’s love be strong enough to confront all challenges?  Does her stepfather find out?  Does Eleanor ever feel good enough for Park?  Will Park ever stop caring what others think about his relationship?

Rowell portrays a believable love story between two people that breaks all stereotypes.  Eleanor is not your typical hot girl and Park is not the popular jock.  This book is easy to relate to for young adults with problems at home or school and provides a solution. 

*These great books are located in our Young Adult Collection under the author’s last name or by call number.