A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard

Maria Donlucas

Plot Summary
This book is about how a girl named Jaycee got stolen at age 11. She had to overcome physical and mental abuse. Phillip, the guy who captured her, had a drug addiction so when he was on drugs he raped her. She had two children with Phillip at the age of 13 named A and S. Nancy was mostly a friend in the story, even though she helped capture her. At the end, Jaycee escapes and is free.

Excerpt
"I've been screaming for a long time, but I can't remember screaming at all. All of a sudden I hear him laugh. He is saying something about how he can't believe he got away with it. I want to tell him I want to go home. But I am so scared I am afraid to make the man angry. What should I do?"

Critical Evaluation
I would give this book a 9 out of 10. This book is long and it's filled with strong detail and very nail biting moments. One part of the book is boring, but after that it's great. I recommend reading this book if you are into Thrillers and Memoir.

Finding Fisher by Antwone Fisher

Brendan Lai

Plot Summary:

This book is basically the journal from Antwone Fisher throughout his life until he gets into the Navy. Fisher is born in prison. His dad was shot by a girlfriend, so he has to live with a foster family. All his "brothers" and "sisters" are not really related. He is treated brutally and blamed for his own misfortunes. He is sexually abused by one of his babysitters when he is about 7 years old. There are also a lot of interesting stories that he writes before becoming a part of the US navy.

Critical Evaluation:  

This book really makes me to think about my life, because since I was little I always want new things, like I want to have new toys, bikes, now I want things even more expensive things like a new computer, play station even though I already have all these things, but I just want new ones so keep up with my friends. But from this book I learn that I should appreciate for the things that I already have. I would give this book about 10/10. 

We Should Hang Out Sometime By: Josh Sunddquist

Maria Ortega

Plot Summary

In We Should Hang Out Sometime, by Josh Sundquist, the main character Josh is now 25 and realizes that he has never had a girlfriend. So he decides to get in contact with all his old crushes to figure out what went wrong. In seeking answers he hopes that they will say that his disability was the main reason why it didn't work out. But he soon realizes that he is the one who isn't OK with him being an amputee. After finally accepting the fact that he was the only one who couldn't handle this painful truth, he goes to a club with friends and then he sees her...The girl that may be the one who will own his heart forever.

Critical Evaluation
I rate this book a 10 out of 10. It was not only hilarious but also relatable. Since it is a true story, its even more fascinating how many true experiences he was open up to tell and share with us. There are times where all you want to do is just keep reading to find out what happened on his dates. Not to mention, all of us at one point in the book look back on our past experiences with our very own failed love interests and get to say "YES, I'm not the only one".  So I highly recommend this book to everyone.

My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf

Gordon Jack

Plot Summary
Jeffrey Dahmer is one of the most notorious serial killers in American history.  In My Friend Dahmer, author Derf Backderf tells the story of his friendship with Dahmer and how both his friends and family contributed to his isolation.  Because no one pays much attention to Dahmer, his excessive drinking and growing obsession with death goes unnoticed until it is too late.

Critical Evaluation
I rate this graphic novel a 10 out of 10.  You might think a story about a serial killer would be filled with gory scenes of murder, but this is more about how such people are created.  In Dahmer's case, he was emotionally disturbed, but because he was ignored by friends and family, he never got the help that might have saved him.  The author's tone of regret is felt throughout the book. In Backderf's words and pictures, he tells a sad, rather than scary, story that will make you think of social isolation in high school and how we all contribute to the making of monsters.