Book Review Model

BOOK REVIEW MODEL

8^TH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS

Ms. Albanese, NBCT

DIRECTIONS: Use 12 font single space Calibri font. When finished, save to your file, print and turn into the tray. Also, post this on your blog. Word count should be in the 350-550 range.

Book Review

Title of Book

Author

DIRECTIONS: Write two paragraphs that are a summary of the book. Include a brief description of the book’s characters, plot, setting and theme. Describe the main conflict. If you are reviewing a non-fiction book, describe the main theme and information presented in the book.  Describe the author’s purpose for writing the book.

At first glance the book The Cay would seem to be rather uncomplicated. Not so. Theodore Taylor tells a fascinating tale about a young boy who suffers through a terrible accident at sea and finds himself washed up on an island with a stranger. All of the things that he formerly believed about people and life get turned upside down by the conditions of the island and the need for survival. The Cay’ s two main characters are Ozzie and John. They are together on a deserted island for many months and in the process of living, they discover what is really valuable. They must endure bad storms, hunger, thirst and disease. Their journey through these hardships shows the reader just how precious life is.

The theme of this book is survival. At first it seems as if the author is trying to get the reader to be drawn in by the terrible circumstances of two complete strangers having to help each other to survive on the island. Later, the main character goes blind and the idea of having sight but not really seeing is a major theme of this book. Other themes center on the kindness of the old man and eventually on his willingness to give his life for a friend.  The ending is a tearful reminder of the goodness that is shown by this strong character.

DIRECTIONS: Write your opinion of the book, how you related to it, and give a recommendation.

My impression of the book was one of genuine appreciation for the writer’s skills to draw in the reader and keep the plot moving. Every chapter held a new and interesting twist. Just when you thought that things couldn’t get any worse, they did!  To me that is the hallmark of a great book – one that keeps you reading and keeps you interested in the problems that the characters have till the last page.

I was able to relate to the character of the young boy. He had made some very important assumptions about Ozzie and then had to change his mind. In my life, I have been known to jump to conclusions and eventually I learn my lessons and correct my own thinking.

I highly recommend The Cay to all who seek adventure and like to imagine a deserted island with a different point of view.  This is just the book for people like me who like to live dangerously through a good story.  Check it out!