Readers Response 2 + vocabulary

Vocab: 
1.lexicography

def.-The writing or compiling of dictionaries; the editing or making of dictionaries.

2.hypnagogic

def.-Of, pertaining to, or occurring in the state of drowsiness preceding sleep.

3.bailiwick

def.-A person's specific area of knowledge, authority, interest, skill, or work.

 

Maximum Ride

James Patterson

p.1-p.163

45 min.

Rating: N/A

     

     I was iffy about this book at first, mainly because it belonged to the sci-fi genre, and there are tons of novels in that genre out there that are cold, lifeless reads. As I read though, I realized that this book was worth it, the writing was filled with a mix of futuristic action, but there is a nice emotional back story to help the book along. This book is about genetically engineered people with wings and other abilities that escape from a secret mutant school. The are pursued by the school's law enforcement "the erasers" as the struggle to find out about their path.

     This book is very fast-paced, and there are many action sequences that are described with detail. I like how even though there are many characters, the author gives them all distinct personalities, a trait not commonly found in books off this genre. This book really draws you in, and the only thing that frustrated me was how the book really got you involved and asking questions, but never really gave you the answers. It's not a bad strategy for writing, and it makes sure readers will read the rest of the book or series, but the Pendragon books did the same thing, and the last book in the that series failed to live up to the standards the other books set. I'm willing to give the author the benefit of the doubt, but he'd better not write a great series and then wimp out when he has to provide a great conclusion.

     Overall, this book had a great start that contained a great plot, good characters, and a great mix of both futuristic sci-fi and an emotional back story.