4A Lau Suet Ling, Angel

Title The Last Song

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Summary:

In the summer, Ronnie, a rebellious 17 years old girl, sent by her mother to visit her dad Steve with her brother,10. She refused to talk to her dad since he had divorced her mother. During the summer, she met Will, and they both fell in love with each other. In the story, Ronnie faced different difficulties in her life and realized some important messages.

Comment:

After reading the novel, “touching” and “inspiring” are the two words that came to my mind immediately.

Being affected by its cover, I originally thought that the story was all about love between Ronnie and Will. Nevertheless, I gradually realized that was wrong. Of course, there was love between these two characters, but the main focus was on the relationship between Ronnie and her father. I was touched by the love of Steve towards his dearest daughter. Although Ronnie was rebellious and often talked to her dad rudely, Steve didn’t blame her but keep loving her. If I were Ronnie, I would express my thoughts and feelings to my dad, but not to ignore him and let him down. Communication is essential. Through chatting with Steve, I believed that misunderstanding could be prevented, and also, I would know that my dad really loved and cared about me.

In the story, Steve was so regretful and depressed that he burned the church. But in reality, he was innocent. The real person who set up the fire didn’t have the courage to admit his wrong action. Actually, everybody was responsible for the action they had made. We should not shirk our responsibility in order to get rid of the punishment. As a human being, it was normal to make mistakes. The crucial point was that we had to face our mistakes bravely and avoid making the same mistakes again.

In short, this was such an attracting story. I couldn’t wait to watch its movie version!

4A Lau Ching Yu, Gloria (15)

Title: Blink Author: Malcolm Gladwell Publisher: Penguin Books

Summary:

Are you the kind of person who is extremely considerate and would think very deeply every time before taking actions? It might be good to do so as you could think clearly what the post-impacts would be if u took those actions thoughtlessly. However, the author of the book is trying to tell people that spontaneous decisions might sometimes be better than the planned ones. Is doing too much analysis really good for decision-making? Or maybe it is just totally a waste of time that is helpless for you?The book uses many scientific and daily life examples to pursue you to try believing your snap judgment. Can trusting the sixth sense really helps you to make fabulous decisions? You could get a better idea after u have finished the book.

Reflections:

After reading the book, I am sure that people can get a new perspective on how we should judge something. Actually, I do agree that sometimes when we need to judge, we should follow the first thought that comes in mind. However, even after I have finished reading the book which encourage us to trust our sixth sense, I still have to say that the way we use to make decisions is actually varies from cases to cases. That means, we can neither just follow our snap judgment nor think too much to make a single decision in some cases. The reason of why I say so is because in some real life occasions, there is surely no time for us to think anything before we need to react. For instance, if someone suddenly plundered you at the street and then ran away quickly, you would definitely yelled out loud for help without a thought. In this case, you undoubtedly wouldn’t sit down and slowly think what you should do other than ask for help as fast as you could. I’d say this example has illustrated and supported the book’s main idea very well that there truly are times when we have to rely on our snap judgment made in an blink of an eye rather than wasting time to plan how we should react. Whilst, on the other hand, we totally have to judge a thing after a long period of time for thinking in some cases. Big decisions are extremely important to be made after thinking very deeply. You have to think and plan carefully if you want to quit a job. You surely have to do many researches before you immigrate to anther country. You also have to consider earnestly if you want to marry a person. You can see that most of the time in our daily lives actually requires us to judge just after we have seriously thought. It means that even though what the book has suggested to us might be right, we still can’t just judge everything we encounter by our first thought pops up in our minds. No matter which way you are now using to judge a thing, I’d say that this book is worth reading. ‘The Power of Thinking without Thinking’ is one of the ideas from the book. I’m confident that you would understand the magic of that sentence after you have read and digested the book.

4A Leung Tsz Ching, Zita (19)

Title: Monsters, Inc. Author: Peter Docter

Summary: Monstropolis was a city where the monsters lived and Monsters, Inc. was a company that supplied power for it. Monstropolis connected children’s bedroom through their closet doors. The monsters employed by the Monsters, Inc. scared children and extracted energy from their scream.

Sulley was the main character of the story which was the best scarer and Mike was his best friend who was his assistant. One day, they scared a child called Kitty. However, Kitty delighted in playing with Sulley. Since the monsters thought that human were toxic so Sulley had tried many times returning Kitty back to her room. However, Kitty followed him again and again. This story was about the process of the returning of Kitty.

Comment:

After this story, I was impressed by the plot and the friendship between Sulley, Mike and Kitty. Although Sulley and Mike hated Kitty and wanted to return her back to home at the beginning, they became friends at the end of the story. In the process of returning Kitty to her room, they met a lot of challenges. They faced these difficulties together and never gave up. Nowadays, people may blame their friends when they are in difficulties. Therefore, I want to have a friend like Sulley that can lend me a helping hand when I have challenges.

In the story, Sulley is my favorite character. It was because he was friendly and kind. Although in Monstropolis, all the monsters thought that human were toxic, Sulley did not leave Kitty alone or hand Kitty to the CDA agents Instead, Sulley tried his best to return Kitty back her home. This showed that Sulley was a nice monster. Therefore, I like Sulley very much.

At last, I would like to recommend this book to my friends and my family since the story is interesting that may bring happiness to them. Besides, there are beautiful pictures in the book. They may feel relaxed after they read this book. I hope they would like this book too.

4A Lok Chi, Nicola (21)

Book Name: The Subtle Knife

Author: Philip Pullman

Publisher Alfred A. Kmopf New York

Summary:

Lyra stepped into the Arabic Light and entered into another world, Cittagazze, where she ran into Will. Armed with an alethiometer (the truth teller), Lyra set off for her journey. With an eye to take revenge for Roger and to find out more about Dust, Lyra collaborated with Will. She discovered that Dust was the thing to control her alethiometer and it took place in many other forms as well.

Later on, Lyra was deceived by Sir Charles, losing her alethiometer. They stroke a deal to get back the alethiometer for Lyra by fetching a subtle knife for Sir Charles. By fate, Will became the knife bearer. The knife was able to cut through between worlds and any substances. Lyra and Will pinned down to get back the alethiometer themselves with the help of it. Succeeded, they set off for an odyssey to find Will’s father, Perry. Will and Perry met on a plateau as strangers in the first place. Not until Perry was attacked to death that they realized they were family. In the mean time, lyre was caught by Mrs. Coulter, her evil mother.

Comment:

Will met His dad, Perry on a little plateau, surrounded by total darkness. They regarded each other as adversary. Out of instinct, they fought. Not until the end that they realized they were family.

Often do we make hasty decisions in accordance to our impulsive sentiment? We can’t spare out even a second to get to know others, let alone to solve the conflicts. As a result, we have misunderstanding and conflicts. And as time passes by, things unusually turn out at last that we are all idiots over the dispute. We have a tendency to be a deaf while others are saying or explaining. More often than not, we put ourselves too high, thinking about others is stupid and whose opinion is worthless. So, why can’t we just put down ourselves and spare out our ears to simply, listen.

Now, think it by yourself. In your retrospect, how frequent do you let your emotion to take the lead of your life? We should and have to be responsible to our decisions. Never let yourself have a chance to regret, take these words into your mind. Think twice before you make a decision as you won’t know how influential it is going to be. Maybe, in such a common scenario of having an argument with your friends, you say something hart-broken to them. Put yourself into their shoes, how would you feel? Later, when you have chilled out a bit, how can your ever forgive yourself for doing so?

Are there any roles in your life that you don’t actually want to take up? Just like Will, he refused to be the knife bearer, being afraid of the responsibilities it will bring along. Will you take up your responsibilities as a sister to look after your siblings if they are sick and your parents are away? Will you chicken out or stand up straight with your chin high to take up the role? I’d say, be brave and go for it. That’s because you’re never alone, for God holds our tomorrow and He holds our hands. If you’re lost or confused, let’s pray and just leave your burden to God. For his mighty, we shall all be in joy and peace.

Regarding the writer, I have to say, I really admire his work. The twist in the plot is so fascinating. One of the biggest shocking events is that Lyra is actually Eve. The writer has been setting up some traces for us to look into. That’s for Lyra’s mother, Mrs.Coulter, to be on the side of church. I just can’t wait to see how Mrs.Coulter is going to react under the pressure of the church to kill Lyra and the nature of a mother to protect her own child. The result is just hard to guess, for Mrs.Coulter is sush a cunning and ambitious women. Besides, throughout the book, it deals with the issue of religion, sin, prophecy, witches, etc. However, you won’t just find it to be boring.

4A Ng Pui Sum, Carman (26)

Name: The Great Call of China

Author: Cynthea Liu

Publisher: Penguin

Summary:

What would you think if you were adopted?

Chinese-born Cece had been adopted when she was two. Living in Texas, America, she was bored with her ho-hum high school and dull job. When she was 17, she learned about the Students Across the Seven Seas (S.A.S.S.) Program to Xi’an, China, she jumped at the chance. Not only did she learn firsthand about anthropology, which was her passion, but also had the opportunity to explore her roots. More to the point, she was going to find her birth parents!

During the program, she encountered Will, the cutest boy she had ever met. Finding out birth parents secretly which was a difficult task, she asked Will for help. Fortunately, Will helped her not only to accustom to the Chinese lifestyle, but also to find out her birth parents successfully!

Comment:

To begin with, I am very glad to know that Cece can find her birth parents among the 1.3 billion people in China flawlessly. It was so amazing, wasn’t it? Cece’s finding-birth-parents experience teaches me 3 words, NEVER GIVE UP. In spite of facing numerous and countless difficulties, for instance, the hindrance from her stepmother in America, she didn’t give up at all. Instead, she called the others for help. the foresaid behavior We should learn from her foresaid behavior as it is certainly a good and possible approach in tackling problems!

What is more, this book uses energetic and living words which are full of the characteristics of America and that I was almost carried away. Furthermore, the story is so creative and innovative that it was about an American teenage girl who had been adopted joined a student exchange program. The plot which I like very much is very attractive which I have never thought of it.

Moreover, this book gives me countless information regarding China in this time and age. It is totally different from what I have imagined. It is crowded, modern and clean as well. After reading this book, I think it is a considerable choice of organizing a tour to China, a strong and rapidly developing country!

In conclusion, I am very glad to read this fantastic book. Reading this fascinating book, as I have mentioned, I have learnt to become stronger and never say giving up. Last but not least, I also highly recommend you to read this and share it to your friends as well!

4B Kei Yee Kiu (18)

Title:Twilight

Author:Stephenie Meyer

When seventeen year-old Bella Swan leaves sunny Arizona to live with her father in the small and gloomy Pacific North-West town of Forks, she doesn’t expect to like it. After all, she has made excuses not to go there enough times over the past few years. If living in Forks, with its constant mist and rain, wasn’t bad enough, she will have to make a whole new set of friends and settle into a new school.

Bella soon makes some new friends at school but when she sees a boy called Edward Cullen sitting with his brothers and sister in the cafeteria, she is instantly intrigued. Edward is very attractive, almost inhumanly beautiful , and yet he is an outsider too. Although Edward and his family have lived in Forks for two years, they have never really been accepted by the townsfolks.

At first Edward is aloof, sometimes it almost seems like he can’t stand to be in the same room with her, but eventually they strike up an unlikely friendship. Even as Bella starts to fall in love with Edward, she still can’t work out exactly what makes him so different from everyone else. Realising Edward is a vampire changes nothing for Bella because she knows that she still loves him even when he is not human.

Edward and his whole family are vampires. To Edward, his lover for Bella is both a delight and a torment. A delight because she is the first person he has loved since he was made a vampire. A torment because although he was sworn off human blood and only hunt animals, the craving for human blood never turely leaves him and the special scent of hers also stirs his hunger for blood.

Feedback

I like this story of Edward and Bella’s romance. Twilight is so unique. It is almost like it is of its own genre. This book is marketed in young adult readers but it has the ability to cross age barriers and it will satisfy both teenagers and adults alike. The story is told in the first person angle of Bella, so the readers only know what she knows, making Edward and his family a mystery that is slowly unraveled throughout the book. Even by the end of the book, I was still thirsting for more of the Cullen family’s story.

Bella is a well-written and realistic character she is shy and lacking in confidence. I like her very much. The Romance between Edward and Bella is both touching and compelling. The book reaches a climax of excitement as the romance between Bella and Edward turns into a frantic race to stay alive. This book really has something for everyone. Young adult readers, vampire fans or romance readers like me, will all find twilight to be an appealing story.

For me, I think this book is quite long but it doesn’t put me off reading, because each page is to be savored. This is one book that I can’t stop reading. .

4B Tong Ching Yan 34

Title: New Moon

Author: Stephenie Meyer

The book is about a pair of vampire and human couple. Edward was a handsome, immortal vampire who would stay at seventeen forever and Bella was an ordinary human girl, who, naturally, would grow. They loved each other so much even they were not of the same species. However, because of Edward’s natural desire as a vampire, he thirsted for Bella’s blood.

On the day of Bella’s birthday, Edward and his family held a birthday party for her. Although she didn’t want to grow but still, she joined the party because Edward and Alice, Edward’s sister and also her best friend, begged her to. Unfortunately, Alice’s boyfriend, Jasper, who was a young vampire, wanted to bit Bella because he was too thirsty. Edward was trying to protect her and pushed her away. However, this made Bella crash into a lot of glass cups and got injured. She was covered with blood, and she was in a room full of vampires! After everything finally got back to the right place, Edward was really upset because he thought his family members and he would hurt Bella again. He made a plan, he pretended he didn’t like Bella anymore and broke up with her. The whole family moved away from Forks, Bella lost both of her boyfriend and her best friend, Alice.

After a several months in sadness, Bella started to recover. She met her old friend Jacob. However, suddenly he tried to get away from her. Afterwards, Bella figured out a secret about Jacob: he was a werewolf. He played a lot of extreme sports with Bella and tried to get her out from the memory of Edward. However, Bella loved extreme sports because she found that when she did something insensible or dangerous, she could see Edward in her mind more clearly. Once she jumped down from a cliff for cliff diving. Somehow, Alice, her best friend who could see the future, thought Bella was going to commit suicide.

The news went to Edward accidentally and he thought Bella was already dead. He didn’t want to live without Bella, so he went to the Voltaire, and let him kill him. After lots of dangerous and intense challenges, they were finally safe and back to Forks. Edward explained everything to Bella and finally they became couple again.

After I read the book, I am sure this is only an unreal story. I don’t think there will be any real love story as glorious as Twilight’s. They loved each other so much and even leave the other because of love. For example, Edward didn’t want Bella to be in danger again and he decided to leave her for her to live a safer and better life. If I were Bella, I would rather find a normal human boyfriend. Although Edward was really very handsome and rich, his girlfriend had to worry other girls vying for Edward’s attention. Also, she would feel a kind of inferiority. She was just a normal girl that looked normal, and her family was not really rich. And the most important is, she would become very dangerous when Edward lost his self-control and wanted to drink her blood! I don’t think I can live a life like this.

4B Yam Tsz Yan (39)

Title: Tuesdays with Morrie

Author: Mitch Albom

Publisher: Doubleday

Summary:

This book talks about the true story between Morrie Schwartz, a socialist, and one of his favourite students, Mitch, the author. In the college, Mitch and Morrie had a great relationship as Mitch was Morrie’s beloved student. On the day of the college graduation ceremony, Mitch said that he would keep in touch with Morrie. After saying that, Mitch knew nothing about his professor in the following years. Until one night he saw Morrie in an interview on TV. He knew that Morrie was suffering from ALS, a terminal disease. Afterwards, he began to visit his professor every Tuesday. On the first Tuesday, they talked about the world. Then they talked about feeling sorry for yourself, regrets, death, family, emotions, fear of aging, money, how love goes on, marriage, our culture, forgiveness, perfect day. And finally, Morrie died and they said goodbye in their fourteenth Tuesday, which was also their last Tuesday being together.

Comment:

I haven’t read a book like this before. It is the first real story for me and I can tell that it must be the most touching real story. This book tells me a lot of special and important ideas or objectives of our life.

“We must not be afraid of our dying, because we’ve had a good life, and we all know it’s going to happen.” Morrie said. Everyone will go through death one day. We should try to do our best to lead a more meaningful and colourful life instead of just sitting and being afraid to wait until we die. Nowadays, a lot of teenagers think that they will die one day. So when they are facing some small difficulties, they try to commit suicide easily. They will regret that they haven’t enjoyed the otherwise wonderful experience in their great life.

One of my favourite topics is the fear of aging. “As you grow, you learn more. Aging is not decay, you know. It’s growth,” said Morrie. When we are growing, we learn more than we expected. What we gained is not only knowledge, but also experience. Don’t think that the elderly are ignorant. The things that they know is more than ours. Sometimes we should learn more from their precious experience, too.

“When you learn how to die, you learn how to live,” said Morrie. Many of us are afraid of death, including myself. After reading this book, I know that we should not focus too much on the final destination, but the process. Being wealthy doesn’t mean money only, but experience or knowledge. So we have to become “richer” and “richer” in our life until we die.

4B Tam Yuk Mui (31)

Title: A Child Called ‘It’

Author: Dave Pelzer

Publisher: Orion Books Ltd

Summary

Dave Pelzer was mentally and physically abused since he was four years old by his emotional, alcoholic mother who always came up with hideous, unpredictable games to punish him and nearly sent him to death.

Despite the fact that he was starving every day and forced to finish the chores within the time limit, he never gave up on himself because he believed his father could save him one day. Unfortunately, his father’s efforts were in vain and he left the family. Eventually, he was free after the school nurse discovered this tragedy and called the police. He was then sent to the custody of the San Matao Juvenile Department to start a new life.

Comment

I am totally moved by this inspirational and thought-compelling book. After knowing this book was actually the memoir of the author, I am shocked as it’s hardly imaginable a child under such horrible abuse could still survive and had courage to publicize his misery.

We all assume that life is hard and it might be true only if we have already lost our determination to reach our destination. I guess the reason why life is hard is we cannot find fulfillment in our lives. We always criticize the things around us whether it is reasonable or not since we want more than others. However, is it necessary for us to demand more? I don’t think so as long as we think what we have is a blessing. We should not take them for granted.

Also, when we encounter great difficulties, we should not be desperate or disheartened. On the contrary, we should seek any possibilities to solve the problems. I believe a positive outlook is the force of life so if we think positively, things will never change to negative.

Most importantly, we oughtn't to hate or take revenge. The author is one role model. Even though his mother treated him as an ‘It’, he still believed he could be loved again. With determination, we can do whatever we want so why don't we choose to forgive others and appreciate what others have done for us?

Although I know it’s impossible for the cases of abuse to disappear, I really want all the parents out there realize the otherwise close relationship with their children and stop being cruel to the young. I hope all of us can live happily and find fulfillment from serving others.

4B Wong Hiu Wai Sonia (35)

Title: Cantonese Culture

Author: Shirley Ingram & Rebecca S.Y. Ng

Publisher: Asia 2000 Ltd.

Summary:

This book is about the traditional Cantonese culture. There are many parts in the culture of Cantonese, such as festivals, table manners, weddings etc. Although the society is improving by technology, many features of Chinese tradition are being preserved by people.

Comment:

I was so surprised after I read this book since I did not know so much about the Cantonese culture. This book really enhances my interest to discover more about Cantonese culture. Besides, the book raises my sense of belonging to China. This book sometimes compares the culture of China with those of foreign countries. One example is Cantonese mainly focus on morality or diplomacy but not on a free will, not like western countries.

One of my favourite topics is table manner. I can’t imagine how complicated it could be until I read this book. When we go out to eat with relatives, the eldest should be the first to choose what to eat. Also, after a piece of food has been bitten on, it should not be dipped into the sauce again. The spoon or chopsticks can be used to dip a little of the sauce onto the food. Other than that, we should eat all the food in our bowl, otherwise we are considered impolite. It is just impolite and annoying in Chinese culture to make noises while drinking tea or eating food. Also, it is considered rude to talk with food in the mouth, or to chew with the mouth open.

I think the strict table manners of Chinese culture can train our personality too. Therefore, I will recommend this book to my friends and I hope they will like it.

4C Chan Wing Yan (1)

Title: The Sisterhood of the traveling pants

Writer: Ann Brshares

Summary:

This story is about four girls who shared a pair of jeans together. They bought the pants in a second-handed clothing shop. They found out that the pants are suitable for all of them. They needed to go on their trips and they set up some rules when wearing the pants. There were ten rules all together. They should never wash the pants, never double-cuff the pants and never say bad words when wearing the pants. Also, you must never let a boy take off the pants, must not pick your nose when wearing the pants. You must follow the proper procedures for documenting your time in pants, and you must write to your sister throughout the summer, no matter how much fun you are having without them. You must pass the pants along to your sisters according to the specifications set down by sisterhood. Failure to comply will result in a severe spanking upon our reunion. You must not love the pants with a tucked-in shirt and belt and remember pants mean love. You must love your pants. They all have awesome stories in that summer. For example, Lena went to Greek to stay with her grandparents. Meeting a man when she was drawing on the coast, she fell into the sea. Tibby was making her video and met a strange girl who wanted to help her, but Tibby found out that the girl had cancer. Also, Carmen went to her daddy’s wedding. She was so angry about her new mother and she did not understand why his daddy changed a lot. Lastly, Bee went to a football camp and met a very handsome teacher. She tried to get close to hem but she failed. And she found out that she missed her mum who was in heaven a lot.

Reflection:

When I was reading the book, I thought this book is a magic story but it seems that I was wrong. This story is about sisterhood, family love, friendships and love stories. The four main charters – Lena, Bee, Carmen and Tibby were girls with really different personalities. Lena was quiet and wise. Bee was very sexy and zealous. Carmen was arbitrary and strong. Lastly, Tibby was cool and capable. When four of them were together, they could have a gorgeous chemical reaction, balance their weaknesses and advantages. They all cared about their sisters and always were with them when they need edthem. For example, Carmen was very tired about the new marriage of her father, thinking it was hard for her to be happy with her new mother and new sister. I understand that Carmen did not want her father to leave her and she was angry that her father threw her and her mother away and had another wife. This is harsh for her to face in a short term and to be happy with her new mother. Her sisters encouraged her to talk to her father and new mother and helped Carmen to face the reality. I think this is what a real friend should when you are in need of help. They should lend a helping hand to their friends. We should learn from them. Also, when Bee was missing her mother in heaven, her friends stayed with her all night and let her cry all night and took care of her. Although,we cannot stay with our friends all night when they are sad, we should not let them alone but care about her. Lastly, Lena told me how to try to overcome a difficulty. She let me know ‘you should try if you do not know what to do next.’ Although she was trying to get a boyfriend, I should learn from her spirits and her passion and use it in my daily life. This book is suitable for us to read because there are lots of aims in this books and we need to understand their underlying meaning. When you read this book you can know more about friendship, family love and sisterhood. The story is very easy to understand and interesting to read. Have fun with this story.

4C Ko Siu Lam (15)

Title: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Author: Ann Brashares

Publisher: Alloy Entertainment

Summary:

This story is about the amazing things among the four friends - Lena, Tibby, Bridget and Carmen. They found a pair of magic pants in a shop and it fit everyone. They promised to wear the pants on their trip. The pants also changed their lives and destinies. Lena was a shy girl before and she was also the first one to wear the pants. At the very beginning, they thought the pants only gave them bad luck. When Lena wore them again, she changed to love others freely. Tibby found her positive attitude when she met a girl. Bridget became brave and Carmen understood how much her father loved her. It was because the pants brought them good luck and bravery.

Comment:

The stories among the four friends and pants were touching. In summer, they found the pants. Their life began to change. They always said that the pants gave them good luck. Actually, I don’t think so. The pants only give encouragement to them. The most important is they needed to open their hearts and give more confidence to themselves. It is also very meaningful. The story talks about Tibby, who was a negative girl. When she met Bailey, she changed herself. Bailey had leukemia but never put the blame on the world. The pants let Tibby meet Bailey and she understood how to face her life positively. The most unforgettable scene is about their friendship. When Carmen didn’t know how to solve the problem with her father, the other three girls came to support and encourage her to attend her father’s wedding party. I was really moved. No matter where they were, they would be together finally. Every scene of the story is very attractive. We will think about the character’s choice. It is very exciting. I also put myself into the story. I highly recommend it to the readers because the descriptions are very vivid. It is also suitable for different kinds of the readers.

4C So Oi Yee (31)

Title : Butterfly Lovers

Author : Gu Xi jie

Publisher : Guan Dong Education Publish ltd.

Summery :

This is a Chinese Legends and almost every Chinese has listened to it before. It is a romantic story about Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai’s love story. In the old day, Chinese Ladies could not go to school to study so Zhu Yingtai decided to dress up as a boy and study at an academy. Then she met Liang Shanbo and fell in love with him. After many difficulties, they died and became butterflies and got together forever.

Comment :

I love this story and its plot just as the same as Romeo and Julier. I don’t know which is the original one but I think “Butterfly Lovers” can reflect the culture of the old China. The girls’ couldn't study at the academy which was for boys only. It was very strange that Zhu Yingtai dressed up like a boy but no one discovered that.

Also, this story is very exciting. Firstly, Liang Shanbo didn’t know that Zhu Yingtai was a girl but Zhu Yingtai always gave some hints to him. How stupid he was! Then he found that he loved Zhu Yingtai, who always showed her felling to him by writing poems. However, he didn’t get the meaning behind the poems which Zhu Yingtai wrote. It’s very sad at the end when he knew Zhu Yingtai was a girl, but it was too late. If he had known it earlier, he wouldn’t have missed the chance to get married with Zhu Yingtai and they didn't need to die. I think the ending of “Butterfly Lovers” is better than ‘Romeo and Julier’. It is perfect as the two souls became a pair of butterflies instead of just dying.

To sum up this story is really touching. After it was translated into English, I am sure that foreigners would love this story too. They will not want to put down the books until they finish reading.

4C Ho Sin Ying

Title: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Author: Ann Brashares

Publisher: Dekk Laurel – Leaf

Summary:

It is the story among the four lovely girls. They were Lean, Bridget, Tibby and Carmen and they were also the best friends for each other. Once they went shopping together, they bought a pair of magic pants. This magic pants bought them good luck and went on to help them with their problems. Although the four girls went to different places in that summer, the travelling pants still strung along with them. Tibby kept on to finish the documentary and she met Bailey. Lena went to Greece, Carmen went to visit her father and Bridget went to a camp to train her’s football skill.

Comment:

My initial feeling after reading this book was that I hadn't expected that it was a touching story and I believe it also has some hidden meanings to tell the readers. In the story, the four girls had their own personality and they had different experiences in the summary holiday too. From each of them, they had conveyed a lot of meaningful messages to me but the one impressed me the most is Carmen, who was an inferior girl and she doesn’t like to share her real feeling or secrets to anyone. However, the travelling pants helped her to share and talk to her father finally. As my characteristic is quite similar to Carmen, I was touched by those plots! Besides, from Tibby’s and Bailey’s story, I understand that we should cherish our time because it is precious and we have to set up our goal and know who we are.

Last but not least, I think “The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants” is a memorable story which tells me that although different people have their own difficulties or problems, we must not give up and learn to be brave to care and love the people around us just like Lena and Bridget. Maybe I have learned how to be mature after reading this book and I really want to highly recommend all of you to read it especially for teenagers, you can learn a lot from it.

4C Shadow, Ling Ying Tung (24)

Title: My sister’s keeper

Author: Jodi Picoult

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Summary:

This book is about a girl who was called Anna. She selflessly helped her sister Kate with blood and bone marrow cancer to extend her life by harvesting her blood. Anna had been tortured by the treatments. However, she realized she was the one who could help her sister, so she unconditionally sacrificed herself. Until Anna was 13 years, Kate actually didn’t want to receive Anna’s help and live anymore, Anna sued her parents for the rights to her own body.

Comment:

This book is the best I have ever read! I was weeping when I read this book, because Anna without the least hesitation sacrificed herself, which expressed the love of sisterhood and the sense of humanity.

For me, this book teaches me a lesson of love and devotion. Nowadays, many people are selfish and self-centered. Although this story may not be realistic, how many people can unconditionally help others without any reciprocates? Sometimes, we limit our love just to our family, lovers and friends. However it’s not enough. Recently, a Hong Konger named Wong Fuk Wing, who saved the victims in Chinghai earthquake, died because of his selfless scarifice. This is a good role model of loving others! One day if people are not willing to help and love each other, but only are concerned about competition in society, God may come and punish sinful human beings. Why don’t we reflect on ourselves now? We can stop the destruction we have incurred if we realize our fault. It’s never too late!

At last, I would like to recommend this book to all of you, not only because this is a touching and meaningful story, it’s also about unconditional love and devotion. (214 words)

4D 殷淑敏

書本名稱： 野草

作者：魯迅

出版社：三聯書店

內容撮要 ：

《野草》共有二十四篇散文詩。前二十三篇都是於被北洋軍閥統治下黑暗的北京時寫

的。而《題辭》是在國民黨進行「清黨」，革命大屠殺時寫下。雖然寫作的時間和環境都有所

改變，但作者的心情、思想和寫作手法卻是不變。因礙於當時環境與心情的複雜，作者採用了

較隱晦的寫作手法，故部份文章難懂晦澀，但其意義深遠，反映作者在險惡、陰暗環境下的悲

憤和革命信念。

評論：

帶些少政治、歷史知識來翻閱《野草》，望能更易感受魯迅所言，而其《題辭》已讓

我驚喜不斷，感受良多。這篇文章充滿了形象化的比喻，而作者自身則喻為野草。魯迅深感其

生命如野草般，即使是生存，也將遭踐踏、刪刈，直至死亡而朽腐。但他竟不覺害怕，反感欣

然，並決心以有限的人生來證明生之意義。文章的字字句句都刻劃出魯迅在絕望中奮鬥的堅強

意志，同時不禁流露出一股孤懷獨往之心。在《題辭》中，我尤其喜愛「當我沉默著的時候，

我覺得充實；我將開口，同時感到空虛。」不知這句話是不是對一般庸眾的不懂的嘲諷，但以

我的理解，此話可解為言語是失真的，沉默才更為真實。我是愛文字的人，曾經喜歡用文字來

記下自己的成長。因我深相信青春即逝，但留下的心情卻是永遠的。我喜歡用文字記下每次經

歷，好讓我再看這些文字時能找回當時的情感。但我最近發現文字、言語都未能完全表達我所

想。但沉默之時則能更充分感知所有事物、明暸即使是極細微的差異。一旦開口告知或執筆記

下，所用的詞語、字句都未必能完全地詮釋心中所感，那真是不盡意。若是言未盡，意難宣，

倒不如不言，讓我所感的都在沉默中不斷地闡釋。

在眾多篇散文中，我最愛《過客》一文。第一次讀的時候，只覺這文章有點怪，不曉

其意。但參考了若干資料，再次認真欣賞作品，便慢慢地明白箇中意義了。文章所寫的是過客

即使知道夜色愈來愈濃，而前路又是墳墓、叢葬，但仍可堅持並昂然地走下去。可以說魯迅就

是這個過客，一個明知前路無望、崎嶇，卻仍努力向前走的過客。魯迅是當時腐敗中國的少數

清醒者，然而其革命道路一直受到打壓、踐踏。縱然他明知山有虎，仍偏向虎山行；明知是死

亡的道路，仍偏要奮鬥，為的只是摒棄傳統，開拓新世界。其反抗絕望的精神使我肅然起敬，

因為因絕望而反抗比起因希望而戰鬥更為慘烈、勇猛。其實魯迅的精神可應用在我們的人生

中。人生像是不同的光度，時而朦朧，時而光亮，時而漆黑。遇上挫折、失敗、困境乃是常

事，亦是在所難免的。但許多人卻害怕了、逃避了、屈服了。失敗、死亡並不可怕，絕望才是

真正無可救藥。唯要戰勝黑暗，必先要戰勝自己，學會反抗絕望，不消沉，不投降。其實，前

路誰能明暸？我們的腳印會被風沙所淹沒；我們的墳墓也會安靜地躺在路邊。但，還是要走。

即使找不到生命的意義，我們也要執拗地走。不能被絕望所吞噬，不能在黑暗中枯死。前方是

甚麼？是虛無？是永恆？其實，人生的悲劇在於我們無可獲知的世界。儘管路途坎坷曲折，但

我們要走得無怨無悔，並帶著反抗絕望的精神一直走下去。 

4D 溫穎彤 (38)

書名：唐山大地震

作者：錢鋼

出版社：中華書局（香港）有限公司

內容摘要：

《唐山大地震》記載了一場在一九七六年發生的世紀天災。書內記述了大地震前自然界的預兆以及災後唐山的面貌、救援工作和對地震生還者的訪問。

書中有三個故事，講述四名倖存者在瓦礫中所經歷的事情。當中有一對新婚夫婦，結婚不足一個月，便要共同經歷生與死。幸好，他們互相扶持，最後憑着一把菜刀，不斷「噹噹」的敲擊着，在地震後三天被救出來。

另一個生還故事的主角是一名二十三歲的女護士。她在廢墟中以一瓶葡萄糖鹽水維持生命，結果在被困八天後獲救。

評論和感想：

作者錢鋼為唐山人慘痛而不能煙沒的歷史寫下一部著作，他仔細的描寫和記述，為中國人留下唐山大地震真實的畫面。

作者在書中以實而不華的文筆，把唐山大地震最真實和最震撼的情景紀錄下來。作者更以比喻的手法把抽象的情感變得具體和生動，使讀者更清楚感受到當時的情況，彷如親眼見證了這段歷史。另外，書中的編排有助引導讀者了解唐山大地震以及一些背後鮮為人知的事件。

唐山大地震的而且確是一件震撼全球的事，但我在看《唐山大地震》這本書前，對這件大事並不甚了解，只記得這次大地震的死亡人數極高。其實，從這次地震背後帶出的也有人情味和人的生活態度。為了拯救遇難者，儘管雙手被瓦礫、碎片弄至受傷流血，拯救人員也不會放棄任何救人的機會，一直堅持，目的只是救出更多生還者。另外，二十三歲女護士在瓦礫被困八天，救出來後仍然堅強、樂觀和開朗地生活。有時候，簡單而又輕鬆的生活反而令人更加享受，更加珍惜。

唐山大地震是一段值得記載的歷史，一個教訓，教訓人們在任何時候也要有充足的準備，包括建築物的堅固度等，以應付突如其來的災害。但是十分可惜，在二零零八年五月十二日的四川大地震中又重蹈覆轍，整個汶川地區被夷為平地，死傷眾多。究竟是中國人已遺忘了這段慘痛的歷史，還是這次大地震已不再受到重視？二十一世紀，香港對於這段歷史的教育幾乎是零，是次唐山大地震是否快要被香港人所淡忘呢？

                    4D 李夢婷(20)

書名：醜陋的中國人

作者：柏楊

出版社：遠流出版社

內容：

本書從多個角度反映和描寫出中國文化的病態和社會的黑暗面，以及中國人在不同事情和場合上所表現出醜陋的一面。柏楊先生強烈地批判中國民族性的缺點，從而說明中國並不能成為真正的大國的根本原因。同時，他也提出了挽救民族的方法。這本書給予現代中國人對自己、社會以及國家一個善意和深切的提醒，提醒中國人必須對自已的醜陋面作出反省。

感想：

這本書的標題十分醒目，名為《醜陋的中國人》。身為一位中國人，當然會想看看這位華人作家筆下所描繪的醜陋的中國人是否與自已有幾分相似。幸好，自己還不至於醜陋至書中所寫的地步。然而，無可否認的，柏楊先生所指出的民族性問題在現今的中國仍然十分普遍。例如上車排隊時像打仗般混亂，官僚貪污嚴重，自私自卑和不團結等問題。這些問題若只是發生在一小部份人的身上倒還好；若不，那便是足以令整個民族倒退，我們必須及早正視和尋求解決途徑。

柏楊先生的文字尖銳辛辣，毫不留情地將中國人的陋習逐一揪出來批判。加上他時常以生活例子從旁說明，十分容易引起讀者共鳴，說服力很強，使人不得不深思和反省這些民族病態。另外，他的寫作風格非常幽默詼諧，但暗中諷刺意味又極為濃厚。如書中有段文字描述了「臭鞋」現象，中國人家門口的鞋子總是會排得歪七倒八，有的鞋仰面朝天，有的匍匐在地，有的花開并蒂，有的各奔東西......他藉這種情境來揶揄中國人缺乏公德心，自私自利的缺點，而這樣的批判方法也的確令人會心微笑。

另外，柏楊先生的描寫仔細入微，鮮明且形象化。例如他在批評中國的排隊文化時，形容中國人排起隊來鼻孔挨後頭，前擁後抱，「縷衣相接聞喘息，滿懷暖玉見肌膚」，儼如親密戰友般。看了這段文字，那個雜亂的，爭先恐後的排隊情境似乎馬上活靈活現在眼前了。

儘管柏楊先生常以幽默生動的筆觸來敘事，但是也不難讀出他在這些風趣文字背後的失望與憂傷情緒。柏楊先生不止一次地說出，他最怕是看見中國人的陋性像過濾性病毒一樣，一代又一代地傳播下去，在混濁的醬缸裡越沉越深，越來越墮落。我相信這個也是很多較為清醒的中國人所擔憂的問題。經濟起飛了，人民的修養、行為、思想和品格卻跟不上它的步伐。這一切人性的陰暗面足以產生一連串社會問題。所謂「修身齊家治國平天下」，若我們連最基本的「修身」也做不到，更遑論談什麼大國掘起了。

有人把這本《醜陋的中國人》比喻為向自己民族所擊出的一記警鐘。無礙，柏楊先生是發出了對當代中國人當頭棒喝的一擊。問題是，中國土地遼闊，人口眾多，這一記警鐘又能傳到多少個角落，聽進多少人的耳中呢？在這書之先，還有魯迅先生的《阿Q正傳》和胡適先生的《差不多先生》，同樣批判了中國人的醜陋面，文字同樣鋒利如刃，可實質能改變到的卻不多，畢竟擺在那裡的是五千多年來根深柢固的醬缸文化和十多億的龐大人口。光靠幾句言語是動搖不了它的根基的。在我看來，也許只有時間和循序漸進的教育才能徹底擊破這個大醬缸。不過，這願望或許要待上數十年甚至百年後才能實現了。

4D 張亦妍

書本名稱： 也斯的香港

作者：也斯

出版社：香港三聯

內容撮要 ：

這本書收輯了三十四篇有關香港的短文，輔以一百六十五幀照片，將作者眼中的

香港全面呈現給讀者。也斯著重發掘香港的多元及包容性，而非紙醉金迷的剪影。例

如他寫廟街中包羅萬有的小攤檔、粵曲棚、看相檔，寫起來平實、親切，從輕描淡寫

透出微妙心思。另外，他亦發掘許多新意念，令現實香港的側面更新鮮，脫離一成不

變的框框。如從一截竹頭的角度寫添馬艦的變化，簡潔漂亮的文字引起讀者深刻反

思，讓讀者細細咀嚼，感受這城市的真切。

評論：

看完這本書後，我的心溢起一陣按捺不住的震撼。也斯的文字誠然感動了我——

簡單而富饒哲理。沒有抽象空泛的濫調、措辭感情的泛濫，有的只是細膩的筆觸、真

摯的感情及清麗流暢的文字。他將香港一個個不顯眼的細節、一個個獨特的側影拼湊

在一起，將真實的香港活生生呈現眼前。他的比喻生動富動感，往往引起我無限聯

想，更能形象化地將一景一物呈現。而且景物都是平時經常遇見的——立法會大樓、

九龍城寨……這令讀者產生極大共鳴，不禁驚歎在也斯筆下的香港竟是如此吸引動

人。

也斯的文字亦令我深思——是甚麼導致都市人對身邊富饒趣味的事物視而不見、

見而不聞？即使碰巧發現後也視之為理所當然，絲毫沒半點賞析訝異之心？歸根究

底，還是缺乏對城市的熱誠。都市人營營役役，只為生活而活，缺乏發掘的真摯感

情，忽略身邊值得細心咀嚼的事物。這是何等悲哀、無奈的人生！也斯卻用細膩的文

字，喚醒人們沉睡的心靈；以獨到的角度欣賞、發掘這個城市。這麼一個充滿熱誠及

愛的心，怎能不叫人驚歎、受到觸動？只有深沉的愛，才能發掘複雜有味道卻不顯眼

的城市側影。

本書輔以由也斯攝影的相片，連同文字的韻味，深深刻進我腦海。記錄的不再是

浮光掠影，不再局限於繁榮都市、紙醉金迷的包裝，而是香港的靈魂，那久久不淡的

味道。

我誠意推薦大家翻開這本書，感受香港獨特的韻味。

4 D 謝 采 欣 ( 3 5 )

書 名 ： 我 們 仨

作 者 ： 楊 絳

出 版 社 ： 時 報

簡 介 ：

《 我 們 仨 》 是 作 者 楊 絳 回 憶 丈 夫 錢 鍾 書 、 寶 貝 女 兒 錢 緩 ， 及 文 革 時 代 的

作 品 。 全 文 共 有 三 大 章 節 。 第 一 章 記 敍 楊 絳 年 老 時 經 常 做 的 一 個 惡 夢 ； 第 二

章 敍 述 楊 絳 的 女 兒 、 丈 夫 相 繼 與 世 長 辭 ， 留 下 她 孤 身 一 人 ； 第 三 章 記 敍 楊 絳

一 家 三 口 六 十 多 年 來 的 家 庭 生 活 ， 由 她 和 丈 夫 婚 後 一 同 出 國 留 學 ， 直 至 丈

夫 、 女 兒 寰 絕 人 世 一 事 。

讀 後 感 ：

《 我 們 仨 》 是 一 本 深 刻 豐 富 、 有 血 有 肉 的 書 。 它 裹 面 有 生 老 病 死 、 悲 歡

離 合 ， 還 有 滿 而 不 溢 ， 使 人 無 法 忽 視 的 愛 。 起 初 ， 這 些 愛 並 不 明 顯 。 畢 竟 楊

絳 並 不 是 一 個 老 把 愛 掛 在 嘴 邊 的 人 。 但 她 的 愛 ， 就 像 是 從 沒 有 關 好 的 水 龍 頭

裹 溜 出 來 的 小 水 滴 。 滴 答 滴 答 的 跳 進 你 心 底 最 深 處 ， 充 滿 你 ， 叫 你 開 心 ； 叫

你 悲 傷 ； 叫 你 無 奈 ； 叫 你 身 受 同 感 。

楊 絳 非 常 努 力 地 刻 畫 她 的 家 庭 生 活 ， 但 她 的 情 感 卻 表 達 得 極 之 含 蓄 。 她

從 來 都 不 會 用 很 多 很 優 美 生 動 的 詞 句 來 描 述 和 修 飾 她 情 感 。 有 時 候 ， 她 更 不

會 明 確 地 說 出 自 己 的 感 受 。 但 你 總 是 能 夠 從 字 裏 行 間 讀 出 她 的 感 覺 ， 捕 捉 她

的 心 聲 。 另 外 ， 她 的 經 歷 和 情 感 表 達 得 十 分 真 摯 ， 從 不 給 你 質 疑 的 機 會 。 這

也 是 她 的 文 章 寫 得 出 色 ， 扣 人 心 弦 的 主 因 吧 ！

值 得 一 提 的 是 ， 楊 絳 在 至 親 撒 手 塵 寰 後 ， 總 是 把 自 昨 己 的 家 寫 成 客 棧 - - - -一 個 居 住 環 境 舒 適 、 服 務 周 到 但 卻 無 法 提 供 愛 和 情 感 支 援 的 地 方 。

此 外 ， 楊 絳 在 文 章 的 第 二 章 把 寶 貝 女 兒 的 病 和 死 亡 視 為 真 實 而 殘 酷 的 夢

境 ， 又 把 丈 夫 及 女 兒 的 離 世 視 作 三 人 失 散 。 由 此 可 見 ， 楊 絳 並 未 能 夠 從 喪 夫

和 喪 女 之 痛 的 陰 霾 裏 走 出 來 。 縱 然 她 明 白 人 死 不 能 復 生 ， 一 切 已 成 定 局 ， 也

禁 不 住 奢 望 家 人 的 離 世 只 是 夢 魘 。 醒 過 來 ， 所 有 東 西 便 會 回 復 到 原 先 的 軌

道 。 我 打 從 心 底 裹 為 她 感 到 抱 歉 和 悲 痛 。 也 確 信 終 有 一 天 ， 我 會 更 深 切 地 體

會 到 她 的 感 受 、 理 解 到 她 的 想 法 。

楊 絳 多 次 在 文 中 提 出 她 活 了 近 百 年 才 得 到 的 覺 悟 ： 世 間 好 物 不 堅 牢 ， 彩

雲 易 散 琉 璃 脆 。 我 認 為 她 對 人 世 間 的 事 物 看 得 十 分 透 徹 。 美 好 的 事 物 往 往 不

能 夠 長 存 ， 就 跟 流 星 雨 一 樣 。 但 其 實 我 們 只 要 記 住 流 星 畫 過 天 際 那 璀 璨 奪 目

的 — 刻 ， 便 此 生 無 憾 了 。

4D Daisy Chan (2)

Book: The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Green Living

Author: Anita Naik

Publisher: Paitkus Books Limited

Summary:

Most of us are concerned about the environmental problems but it seems that we are too lazy to do anything. I am sure you are willing to make changes after you have read this book. You will be willing to live in green. The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Green Living shows you how easy it is to become a greener in lazy ways! Let’s learn to be environmentally-friendly! It will be as simple as eating an apple! Crammed full of quick, easy and simple tips, The Lazy Girl's Guide to Green Living is ideal for any lazy girl willing to turn a bit green in order to save the planet.

Comment:

Are you living in a green way? Have you ever promised yourself to obey the rule of 4Rs? Are you worried about the change in climate, the clearing up of rainforests and the impact brought by Global Warming? We are all green in heart! The concept of saving energy and recycling rubbish is learnt when we are small. However, it is difficult for us to convert them into action.

After reading this book, I found that it’s a easy job to live eco-friendly! For instance, we can save energy by washing clothes in cold water and turning off the computer overnight. Besides, saving water by taking a shower rather than a bath and turning the tap off while you are cleaning your teeth are both effective and simple means to protect our environment.

Recently, Hong Kong is facing the problem of the using up of landfills. In my opinion, we should reduce and recycle our waste . If every citizen in Hong Kong can recycle their glasses, paper, tin cans, clothes, plastic bottles or even food and garden waste, the issue will not be so serious. Figures have shown that it is useful to reduce domestic waste by recycling or reusing.

What’s more, the “A-Z of green living” is a easy-to-remember rule! Among them, I love “D for doing what you can” most! Every little bits helps when we want to improve the condition of the environment. I always believe that even small change will great impact. Let’s protect our environment in a lazy way!

4D Tsui King Yan (37)

Book Title : HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE

Author: J.K Rowling

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Summary: Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone is a magical novel. Those characters in the book can use magic by only shaking a magic wand and saying an incantation. The main character is Harry Potter whose parents had died and we had to live with his harsh relatives for a long time poorly. His relatives treaded him as bad as a slave also. In the story, Harry was brought to a magic school and he had a great battle with Lord Voldemort who is the one killing Harry’s parents.

Comment:

I am interested in this novel because of the magical story plot. Everyone likes Harry Potter after watching the movie or reading the novel. However, I don’t like Harry Potter honestly, because his success was due to the power from his parents and support from his friends although Harry won the battle with Lord Voldemort finally. He was very brave but he had no planning before he made a dangerous decision such as fighting a battle with Lord Voldemort. No one, including Harry Potter, could promise there would not be ant deaths. His friends may die because of his wrong decision. But still, I appreciate his gentle character that he wouldn’t mind anyone around him speaking badly about him.

Moreover, there is still having one more character whom I like --- Hermione Granger. She is really clever as she loves reading books, her examinations results were marvelous. From my point of view, Hermione Granger is the main factor that makes Harry Potter won the battle with Lord Voldemort because she always did things and thought with completely good planning. Without her, three if them might have been killed.

Being a popular author is nit an easy task! J.K Rowling is a successful example who was quite poor before she wrote the series of Harry Potter. With her creative thoughts, she can write popular novels among the world and translate it in many different languages. I really appreciate her patience since she could keep thinking of some creative ideas although she was in poor condition at that time. Also, her story plots are pretty great for some important messages are linked in the story through there seven series. You won’t discover this when you just watch or read one or two of them. Therefore, I suggest readers read all of them. Then, you must be amazed.

Lastly, I have learnt an important message from this novel---cherish friendship. I am touched by Ron Weasley who sacrificed himself in order to help Harry Potter. He is really a true friend of Harry. Can you find a friend around you who can be the same as Ron Weasley? If yes, I congratulate you and please cherish your friend. If not, you can be as good as Ron Weasley. It must be good for you ☺

4D Li Ming Yuk Lesley (26) Book Title: Pride and Prejudice Author: Jane Austen Publisher: Scholastic Inc Summary: It was a romantic love story. The story was set in a time when a good marriage would determine a girl’s future. The main character is called Elizabeth Bennet who was the third daughter of the family Bennet. Mrs. Bennet thought the most important thing in her life was finding a rich man for her five daughters but it did not work in Elizabeth. She met Mr. Darcy who was handsome and wealthy. However, Elizabeth thought he was proud and arrogant. Was it there any misunderstanding? Comment: It was my first time to read a classical love story but it caught my eye immediately. It was started by a misunderstanding. Mr.Darcy’s bad attitude made Elizabeth think he was a proud person as he refused the introduction by Mr. Bingley to dance with any lady. As the plot continues, the misunderstanding was getting more serious due to the prejudice of Elizabeth. Her first impression was so bad for Mr.Darcy and her over cleverness also let this situation become more serious. On the other hand, Mr. Darcy never talked about true feeling and always said something impolitely. Their “pride” and “proud” was the main obstacle of their love. However, love can change everything. It was the key to open the window of hearts. Because of love, Mr. Darcy was brave enough to tell all the truth to Elizabeth by writing her a letter. Because of love, Elizabeth was willing to believe Mr. Darcy. Because of love, the misunderstanding could be solved. After reading this book, I have learnt we should not judge people by his appearance and our first impression. For example, most people thought Mr. Darcy was proud. Actually, he only tried to hide his feeling. In fact, I think he was the most generous person in the book. He paid all the debts for Mr. Wickham. On the other hand, Mr. Wickham seemed to be a good person but he was not as good as Elizabeth. He had a lot of debts actually. We should know their true face. I highly recommend this book to people who desire true love. Among the four couples, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy were tied with true love. Also, you will know how pride and prejudge would lead misunderstanding. Hope you will enjoy the book.

4D Ko Yee On, Koyi (13)

Title: The Lazy Girls’ Guide to the High Life on a Budget

Publisher: Piatkus

Summary:

Wanting to walk on the street like the well-to-do who brings LV, Gucci or Prada bags, with an empty wallet? Don’t worry. This book can definitely help you! The book “The Lazy Girls’ Guide to the High Life on a Budget” helps you to live your life as glamorously as you can, without changing a lot of your lifestyle.

Comment:

The Lazy Girls’ Guide to the High Life on a Budget is a book which teaches us to create a blissful budget and have a high like at the same time. There are different chapters with titles in big and bold letters. Such design does not only make the book look clearer but also helps the target readers, the lazy girls, to save time for sleeping.

I like the style and arrangement of this book. With the step-by-step guides, I can know where and how I should start saving money. Besides, there are different guides like “20 Ways to Become Save-aholic and “20 Ways to Maintain a Social Life on a budget”. Bored by tons of words and paragraphings, I would rather read this book, which provides point-form information. At the end of this book, it provides useful websites like beauty websites and discount voucher sites which can definitely help me a lot.

It also raises common problems which we always encounter but are not able to solve with ease. One of the problems raised is that we have debts which are “unpaid”, meaning “UNable to be PAID”. Though I do not have any credit crunch or debts to be paid, I am surely that I will be able to manage it well in the future as this book has given me many pieces of useful advice. For example, do not always go window shopping and buy repeated items. Instead, plan and target what and where to buy. This way, we can save money wisely.

Last but not least, this book is worth reading and I will recommend this book to all of my friends. It is because this helps girls to live on a high life without spending much money. Most importantly, it teaches us how to spend and save money in a clever way.

Pansy Kwan Pui Sin 4D (14)

Book title: For One More Day

Author: Mitch Albom

Publisher: Sphere

Summary:

The book is about a story of a mother and a son, and a relationship that covers a lifetime and beyond. Charley Benetto, who encountered many problems in his career, finance, family and alcohol abuse which led him to the park of committing suicide. After that, Charley returned to his old family home, and spent one more day with his mother, who had died eight years ago. Meeting with his mother accidentally, Charley knew what “home” meant. Home is a place which just needs you to understand, accept, and love in order to own it in your whole life.

Comment:

“What would you do if you could spend one more day with the ones you love?” It is a simple question for most of the pupils. However, we might not care about answering the questions as we are staying with the ones we love. However, when we lost it, we could not own it anymore and it would be too late for us to think about this question.

I like this book because it taught me a lot. Staying with my parents, playing with my siblings, having lunch with my friends…all are not guaranteed in my life. Therefore, I must cherish all the things that I own now.

Besides, this book has taught me to treat my parents better as they have given me so much that I cannot repay all in my life. When we are facing various kinds of problems, for instance, peer pressure, difficulties in studying and finance, they must support us whole-heartedly without any doubt. Consequently, I must appreciate and thank for them.

Although this book is meaningful, I believe that there should be some improvement. First of all, the concept of this book should be brought out more obviously so that we can understand its message easily. Next, the description of the background information can be shorter as it is quite boring sometimes. Last but not least, the book should have more conservations as this is a good way to describe the feelings of characters.

Lastly, I highly recommend this book to the one who has lived with regrets and suspected the value of their survival.