Struck By Lightning: The Carson Phillips Journal
by Chris Colfer
Release Date: November 20th, 2012
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Source: Library
Hardcover, 258 pages
Obtain a Copy:
Barnes and Nobles
Amazon
Goodreads Summary: Struck By Lightning: The Carson Phillips Journal follows the story of outcast high school senior Carson Phillips, who blackmails the most popular students in his school into contributing to his literary journal to bolster his college application; his goal in life is to get into Northwestern and eventually become the editor of The New Yorker. At once laugh-out-loud funny, deliciously dark, and remarkably smart, Struck By Lightning unearths the dirt that lies just below the surface of high school. At a time when bullying torments so many young people today, this unique and important novel sheds light with humor and wit on an issue that deeply resonates with countless teens and readers.
Cindy's Review:
At first Glance/ The Cover:
Okey. So I picked up this book, but I read Chris Colfer's The Wishing Spell. The review was from quite a while ago, so it might look/sound weird. Because. Ya know, I AM weird.
I really liked Chris's writing. I thought The Wishing Spell wasn't full of creativity and just fabulous, I decided to read this one too.
The Characters:
Carson - So the main character is Carson. Duhh. And he's like the school geek/genius. Nobody really likes him, but Carson still protrudes on obtaining what he desires. Proud of my vocab. ;D I really need to work on vocabulary. Herher. When he wanted to start a literacy magazine, he did. He blackmailed those popular people to writing in his magazine.
But of course, for someone like him, there are definitely obstacles along the way. Obstacles he MIGHT not want to clear. The title definitely represents the ending, but that for you to discover. I don't want to be a walking dictionary, but you know, it's fun talking textbook style. Ummm. Well. At least in a blog post. I would NEVER do that in real life.
Carson is a really funny character. He cusses. So kids. If you just can't take bad words.....I suggest you stay away? There are some inappropriate scenes but guys, that's high school. Plus, he's really modern. Like there's 69 and those dirty jokes in this book. Hehe. Sounds like Chris is updated on the dirty trends going around. At school. I'm not sure if it's only school, but yeah. My school definitely thinks dirty. Omg. Kk.
Final Thoughts:
But this was really enjoyable. I think this book is meant for high schoolers. Unless, there's some middle grade students wouldn't think bad words are bad....and they actually get the dirty jokes. Okay. Like me. But I'm not in middle school anymore!! Yay~ Freshman in the fall! ;D
So recommended for those who enjoy a laugh and a quick read, living as Carson's POV and understanding his dirty jokes. The ending though. Herher. Yeah. GO READ THE BOOK.
The Rating: (1-10): 8.8~ <3
Middle grade read. Yeah. Because ya has romance. ;/ k. bye.
Happy Reading~
The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer (The Land of Stories #1).
438 pages
Book Summary: Alex and Conner Bailey's world is about to change, in this fast-paced adventure that uniquely combines our modern day world with the enchanting realm of classic fairy tales.
"The Land of Stories" tells the tale of twins Alex and Conner. Through the mysterious powers of a cherished book of stories, they leave their world behind and find themselves in a foreign land full of wonder and magic where they come face-to-face with the fairy tale characters they grew up reading about.
But after a series of encounters with witches, wolves, goblins, and trolls alike, getting back home is going to be harder than they thought.
Cindy's Opinions/Summary: This creative story by Chris Colfer was a retelling of fairy tales ' afterlife. It's the question everyone asks. What happens after the 'happily ever after'. The Wishing Spell creates a whole new conflict with a whole new ending for the fairy tales.
When Alex and Conner Bailey feel through a book given by their grandma for their 12th (or was it 13th) birthday, they fall into The Land of Stories, where the fairy tales are still living their lives with new beginnings.
Here are some examples of the fairy tales' after the 'happily ever after' from the book. Cinderella got married to King Chance C harming and rules the Charming Kingdom with him. Sleeping Beauty of course is awake and is married to King Chase Charming and rule The Sleeping Kingdom. Snow White is married to King Chandler Charming and rules over The Northern Kingdom. Little Red Riding Hood has her own kingdom named after her. The Corner Kingdom is owned by Rapunzel. The Big Bad Wolf? Deceased. Now there's a bunch of ancestors in his place trying to get revenge. The Evil Queen, Snow White's stepmother? You'll learn her amazing 'behind the scenes' story.
So much is actually happening that makes you think, maybe the fairy tales aren't actually 'happily ever after' after all. The ending of the book leaves you gasping and gulping in it's extra surprise moment.
Yep. Even if you may not be a fan of fairy tales, you should still definitely read this book. If you are a fan of fairy tales, you must read this.
I really didn't noticed that Chris Colfer that is the author of this book, who also plays Kurt Hummel in Glee until like I was looking at the author one day. So I must say, I didn't want to just read the book because of the author. But because of the author, I did want to get into it.
Rate: (1-10): 8.99!!
Quotes:
"We're stuck in another world, and you want to go sightseeing?"
LOL. As you read this book, you'll find Conner very funny and interesting.
" 'Whoa.' ... 'I feel like I may get diabetes from just looking at that place.' "
That was, well, a wee bit of exaggeration. Think you know where that place is?
" 'What is the moral of Sleeping Beauty?' "
'Don't piss off your neighbors, I guess.' "
An example of Conner's humorous personality.
Although, it wasn't much quotes, I really don't want to spoil the book for you. ;)
Struck By Lightning: The Carson Phillips Journal
