Student+Recommendations

Have you read a book that you would recommend to other students? Let us know. Post the title of the book, the author, and why you liked it under the discussion tab. Include your name and year and we will add it to this space. I'm going to make this short and sweet, this book is AMAZING! if you are a football fan like I am, you will love this book, I must admit, I didn't like to read, but this book as really opened my eyes and make me realize that life isn't just about football, if you want to know inch by inch, detail, by detail about Walter Payton, this is the book to read, even if you aren't a football fan, just read it, :) you won't be disappointed. Joe Spicer, class of 2012 ( March 2012)
 * //**S****weetness: The Enigmatic Life of Walter Payton**// by Jeff Pearlman.

//**Shadow Warrior**// by Mount Carmel School Psychologist Dr. John Mayer. I highly recommend this book. It is a high-octane thriller that has something for everyone - drama, mystery, edge-of your-seat suspense, high tech weaponry. It's a story that will have you immersed in wondering what will happen next. I couldn't put it down. Marcus Campbell, class of 2014. (Feb 2012)

//**Treasure Island**// by Robert Louis Stevenson. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in stories about conspiracy, corruption, pirates, adventure, and treasure.If you're a fan of the " Pirates of the Caribbean " movies I think you would like this book. Bob Brophy, class of 2014. (Feb 2012)

**//Wins, Losses, and Lessons//** by Lou Holtz. I would recommend this book to any college football fan around the country, and I would especially recommend this to Catholics who view Notre Dame Football as more than a game. Richard Fordon, class of 2014. (Feb 2012) //**Son of Neptune**// by Rick Riordan. Who wouldn't like to read a book that involves killing monsters and fighting giants with swords and armor? This is book two in the Percy Jackson series. I recommend reading the whole series, Heroes of Olympus. The books are intense and action packed. Korey Gallas, class of 2014. (Feb 2012) Also recommended by Phil Whitman, class of 2014 who says: In addition to providing information on mythology, it is full of heart-racing, humor, and drama. //**The Lightning Thief**// by Rick Rick Riordan. If you're interested in Greek mythology this book was meant for you. It is a unique book that stands out from the many others on the shelf. Zac Vesci, class of 2014 (Feb 2012) Also recommended by Patrick Stewart, class of 2014: This book will keep you on the edge of your seat with all of the adventure and in depth fight scenes. //** The Battle of the Labyrinth **// by Rick Riordan. This book is a part of Riordan's series called Percy Jackson and the Olympians. The Labryinth is a dark maze that spreads everywhere under the U.S. It fools anyone inside so that they never make it out or go insane .It is a great read that will keep you on the edge of our seat for the whole book. Every part is action packed. Whether it's an intense battle scene or an intense conversation. Dom Grassano, class of 2014 (Feb 2012) **//A Piece of Cake//** by Cupcake Brown. This is a brutally straightforward memoir, and it explains the life of an eleven year old girl who survives child abuse, rape, drug addiction, etc. I recommend this book, because you can learn from and maybe even relate to the life story of the author. It does not sugarcoat anything. Alan Peck, Class of 2014. (Feb 2012) //**The Heart and the Fist**// by Eric Greitens. I highly recommend this book. For those who like war books, this has plenty of memories that Greitens, a Navy Seal, has gone through during his years of service. For those students who are interested in third world countries and humanitarian acts, this book provides many experiences that makes it feel as if you were there. Christopher Pakeltis, class of 2014. (Feb 2012) //**Our America: Life and Death on the South Side of Chicago**// by LeAlan Jones, Lloyd Newman, and David Isay. This book will change your thought process about what is going on in your community and see what you can do to change it. It shows two teenage African Americans coming together searching for answers about why certain things were going on in their neighborhood. Enoch Smith, Class of 2014. (Feb 2012) **//Great Expectaions//** by Charles Dickens. Great Expectations is a great book written Charles Dickens writter of many other books such as a Christmas Carol. This book takes place in London and is shrouded in mystery and one boy's journey and unlikey encounter with an convitct turns his life into grand journey filled with mystery and suspense and irony. I would highy recommend reading this book to anyone who likes mystery or who just likes reading a good book. Isaiah Bailey, class of 2014 (Jan 2012) also recommended by Lotanna Nwandu, class of 2014

//**To Be a Slave**// by Julius Lester. This book offers a view on daily life for slaves through their perspective. It is a well written book that uses imagery to effectively tell of the hardships that the slaves endured. Jalen Storey, class of 2014 ( Feb 2012)

//**Red Storm Rising**// by Tom Clancy. This is a great book to read if you like military combat and if Soviet Russia is interesting to you. The action makes you not want to put down the book because it is full of suspense. James Schackmuth, class of 2014 (Feb 2012)

//**Stan Musial: An American Life**// by George Vecsey. I would recommend this book to any student who is interested in sports, but more interested in how to live with good virtue s. I learned many new things on one of the greatest ballplayer s of all time. Kevin O'Keefe, class of 2014 (Feb 2012)

//**The Pearl**// by John Steinbeck. This is a great book to read if you are searching to find the answer to the question, " Can money buy happiness ?" Dan Hayes, class of 2014 (Feb 2012)

//**The Aeneid**// by Virgil. This book contains a little bit of everything: humor, romance, mystery, fantasy, history, action ; and it is well paced. It seems similar to other Greco-Roman epics. Grant Johnson, class of 2014 (Feb 2012)

//**Ark Angel**// by Anthony Horowitz. This book is the sixth in a series. This time the teenage superspy will have to push himself to the limit - and beyond. It was an amazing adventure. Michael Stepanovic, class of 2014 (Feb 2012)

//**Catching Fire**// by Suzanne Collins. This was one of the best books I have read in my whole life. Suzanne Collins, in my opinion, did the rare thing that is writing a sequel that improved upon the original novel, //Hunger Games//. It's one of those stories where an average kid overcomes everything even when the odds are completely against her. Kevin Redmond, class of 2014 (Feb 2012)

//**Cryptid Hunters**// by Roland Smith. This is a great adventure book and is one of the only books that I like. A brother and sister try to survive together alone in the Congo. It has mysterious animals that are thought not to exist. Kevin Philbin, class of 2014 (Feb 2012)

//**Playing for Pizza**// by John Grisham. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves sports, football, and adventure. The detail involved in describing the cut throat politics behind professional sports describes what it would like to be a pro athlete. Paul Huerta, class of 2014 (Feb 2012)

//**Seize the Day**// by Saul Bellow. This book gives life lessons, it has action , it is suspenseful , it has drama , and it show how sometimes we should realize that our mistake are our friend, but only if we learn from them. The best thing about this story is that it makes the reader reflect on his or her life. Alberto Covarrubias. class of 2014 (Feb 2012)

//**A Confederacy of Dunces**// by John Kennedy Toole. This is a book about a stubborn, opinionated man, who views the world as a broken system that needs to be fixed. It is hilarious and caused me to laugh out loud on numerous occasions. It will always be considered one of the funniest stories ever written. Brendan Hirsch, class of 2014 (Feb 2012)

//**Touching Spirit Bear**// by Bem Mikalsen. This book is about a teenage boy who beats up another boy and is sent to an island in Alaska for punishment. This is my favorite book that I have ever read. I like it so much because it has a lot of turning points in it and it has so many different types of writing. It is filled with suspense, drama, action, and in some parts comedy. Bryce Brill, class of 2014 (Feb 2012)

//**Bowerman and the Men of Oregon**//by Kenny Moore. Bill Bowerman was a legendary track coach who revolutionized running in the United States. This book depicts the life of that great man and coach. I learned many new things about the history of running that I found interesting. I would recommend this book because I think it is a great read in all aspects of the book. Dan O'Keefe, class of 2014 (Feb 2012)

//**Consent to Kill**// by Vince Flynn. This book deals with terrorism, and why it is important to abolish it. The main character is Mitch Rapp who is a very courageous man who has no fear and is willing to put his life at stake for his country. If you are the type of person who likes to read about action and suspense then this is definitely a book for you. It is a great read, and it is so exhilarating that you can't put the book down. I highly recommend it. Guy Blessing, class of 2014 (Feb 2012)

//**Slaughterhouse Five: A Children's Crusade**// by Kurt Vonnegut. During the story the main character gets abducted by aliens who show him a new way of seeing time in another dimension, which is seeing the past, present and future simultaneously in a panorama. I believe that this book would be enjoyed immensely by readers who enjoy dark satire. Steve Dumezich, class of 2014 (Feb 2012) ||

//**Only the Strong Survive - The Odyssey of Allen Iverson **//, by Larry Platt. I would like to recommend, this book to anyone who enjoys reading about sports figures, and personal triumph. The author chronicles Iverson’s rough road growing up in Newport News, Virginia to playing in the NBA for Philadelphia, where Iverson was named the NBA MVP in 2001. Platt holds no punches as he exposes Iverson’s early years in the ghetto and his multiple brushes with the law. Platt also touches on how Iverson’s closeness to his family and loyalty to his roots kept him grounded as he climbed the ladder to greatness. Robert Buchta Class of 2014 (May 2011)

//**Shooting Stars**,// by Lebron James. If someone were to ask me if I'd recommend this book to them, I would have have to say yes because of how interesting and, even more so, inspiring it was at points. It showed that no matter how bad your childhood was, or how dysfunctional, you can overcome that to become successful in your life. Also, it was a very motivating story because of how serious Lebron, and his teammates, were about winning, even at an extremely young age. There weren't many faults with the story and the conflicts were very captivating. They almost gave an inside look of a superstar having to deal with the press and public trying to bring him down, which an everyday person wouldn't know anything about. So for all the people looking for an inspiring, motivating, and still interesting book, this is it. Nick Cerda Class of 2013.

//**I Am Legend**//, by Richard Matheson. This is a suspenseful novel, it was a good read, and very well written. It is definitely worth reading, and has a great plot. I enjoyed this book because it kept my attention throughout the whole book. It was not predictable at all, and it never left me hanging. Connor McGarry- Class of 2013

//**Shutter Island**//, by Dennis Lehane. Theis is a very good book that I would highly recommend. This book is very dark and mysterious with a great ending. You think you know what is going on, but at the end you find out that what was happening was not anything like you thought. It was very well-written with a great plot. It is a sure thriller, that keeps you anxious to know what will happen next. The fast pace of the story never slows down, and I am sure you would love to read this book. Jeremy Kravetz, Class of 2013

//**Al Capone Does My Shirts**//, by Gennifer Chaldenko. Al Capone Does My Shirts is filled with ongoing mystery and it really keeps the reader going. The basic plot of this book is a young boy who struggles to get his autistic sister into school and accepted by others. After each chapter, Choldenko ends it at a point in the story where you just can't resist going on to the next chapter to see what happens next. Gunther Voss, class of 2013

//**Native Son**//,by Richard Wright. This is a hard hitting, to the point novel that keeps you on your heels. I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone. In a couple sentences I would say that it is a novel expressing the injustice of American society. Anonymous, Class of 2013.

//**Danger Boy**// by Mark London Williams. This is a great book because it is an easy, fun, and exciting read. There are actio n scenes coming from all over the world from 2019 with an agency government all the back to 415 C.E. with an educated dinosaur. Many exciting experiments go on like the time sphere that warps things through time which causes a lot of problems for Sandusky and Eli. Over all, this was a great book and really fun to read. I had a blast reading it and would recommend it to anyone ages 10 to 16. Beau Filkins Class of 2013.

//**Dragon's Blood**//, by Jane Yolen. This is an excellent, fast-paced and magical tale about an unlikely conqueror in the dragon pits. I liked this novel because the author is able to bring mythical creatures and reality together in a thrilling fantasy. Jane Yolen also creates a very suspense-filled plot with very few characters. Joe Pavlik 2013.

//**Swim the Fly**//, by Don Calame. This is a fantastic book. I recommend this book to students, but mostly for boys. It is not only a funny book, but talks about real things teen boys actually go through. I promise you that you want be able to put it down. From the first page on it will have you laughing non stop. Also, it is a number one seller which says a lot about the book. Swim The Fly is definetly a book worth reading and can really hit home for many teens. Anonymous Class of 2013.

//**Gang Leader for a Day**//, by Sudhir Venkatesh. This is an extremely interesting book. This whole book was an adventure and I did not want to put it down once. It is about Sudhir Venkatesh as he spends about ten years living in the projects of Chicago with a gang called the Black Kings. I strongly recommend this book to every student at Mount Carmel. Recommended by Justin Gallagher

//**Last Shot, A Final Four Mystery**//, by John Feinstein. I do recommend this book. It is a great mystery that has twists and turns in it. Good twists and turns are what any reader wants to see in the mystery category. The Story has a plot to it and always holds the reader's attention to nothing but the ook throughout reading it. I rarely get the feeling when I'm reading that I could sit down for hours and just read a book because I am not a big reader but this book gave me that feeling. It is an all around must read in my eyes. Mike Daley Class of 2013

//**Fahrenheit 45**//1, by Ray Bradbury. This searing novel tells the story of Guy Montag, a futuristic fireman whose job is to burn books. It involves a lot of twists and incorporates underlying messages that are very true. Montag is a not so perfect hero who does his best to get the job done. Whether you read it as a s cience fiction or a warning on our future you will have a great time reading this book. Anonymous Class of 2013

//**The Kite Runner**//, by Khaled Hosseini. This book has every element a great novel should have. A story of self-doubt, loyalty, pain, sacrifice, and ultimate redemption ; this novel portrays a painful and rough life of an Afghani boy, Amir. I would recomend this riveting novel of adventure to anyone, whether young or old. The author uses great detail to describe the inner character of each person. He also uses Arabic words to give a bi-lingual effect that envelopes the reader into the culture and setting of the book. Over all this book was great. 2 Anonymous students. Class of 2013

//**The Boys of Winter**//, by Wayne Coffey. The story is about the different players and coaches that made up the 1980 United States Olympic hockey team. This wasn't your ordinary Olympic hockey team, this team was made up of a bunch of "average Joe" hockey players who played a game that to this day is known as one of the greatest sporting events of the 20th century. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a feel good story with a happy ending. This book gets two thumbs up. Declan Hartnett, class of 2013.

//**Salem's Lot**//, by Stephen King. Stephen King's second novel is a thriller. With amazing storytelling from every character's point of view, readers get to see a small town come crashing down one character at a time. Perfect for readers who have never read Stephen King or who want to read a novel that is better than Twilight. Duncan Mican 2013.

//**The Things They Carried**//, by Tim O'Brien. This book is a phenomenal collection of stories from the Vietnam War. The stories show the friendship and hardship needed in the midst of battle. Tim O'Brien gives us an image of what soldiers experience during and after the war, and how difficult it is to deal with it. I liked this book because it kept me interested and wanting more at all times when I was reading. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in war stories, and interested in seeing them from the first person point of view. Dominic Villa Class of 2013 Also recommended by Andy Quinlan, 2014: This book really takes you deep into the minds of the soldiers both during the war, and after. Also recommended by Luis Rojas, 2014: In this novel its meaning is more than war. It is about the human heart.

=
//**The Man in the High Castle**//, by Phillip K. Dick. I would highly recommend this book. I would, however, warn whoever reads this that this book isn't for the close minded, and at some times this book can be confusing. The book really plays with your emotions and questions reality itself. I would also note that there is frequent plot line switching, changing from character to character many times per chapter, which at some times can be hard to comprehend. Even so this is an excellent book, and really shows Philip K. Dick's talent for science fiction literature. I recommend this book to anyone wanting a great book to really think about, and at some times read back to gain clues on the overall plot. Recommended by Dennis Toppel- Class of 2013  =====

=

 * //Alas, Babylon//**, by Pat Frank. This book offers the excitement and action of a high-action novel while still delivering on the character insight that many of the other great novels exhibit. Frank, uses clear, vivid words to make the reader fell as if he or she is right in the midle of the action. Frank's descriptive writing helps the rader visualize the bombs hiting and the mass chaos that ensues. While the action attracts most readers, the story also has a touching, soft side to it that will be shown through the eyes of many characters. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys excitement, thrill, and tactics for survival . =====

=
//**The Supernaturalist**//, by Eoin Colfer. I would strongly reccomend this to a young reader like yourself. This book offers a great deal of plot twists and excitement that will keep you on your toes for the entire story. Also, I was impressed with Eoin Colfer's ability to make convincing, realistic characters that the reader could easily relate to and imagine. I often would find myself following the emotion of these characters, expressing happiness and disappointment when they would. I give this book a 4/5 stars for its outstanding realism that makes the read feel like he/she is there with the characters. Recommended by Erik Lundberg Class of 2013.=====

=
//**The Magician**//, by Michael Scott. Finished the Percy Jackson series and need a new book with the same amount of adventure and fun? This is definitely the book for you! It is a rollercoaster or adventure that includes some of the great gods that were known in Rome, such as Mars. Another great thing that this book does is it includes many people that were actually alive, which makes you really want to believe that it has some truth to it. Overall I would encourage everyone that is looking for an adventure book to first read// The Alchemyst //, which is the first book in the series, and then continue with The Magician because it really is a lot of fun. Its just one of those books that you just can't put down. =====

=

 * //Slam!//** by Walter Dean Myers. Slam! is a very well written story that is easy to read and can be read fairly quickly. Its a sports book, but like all good sports books it just isn't sports. The basic plot is about an African American high school student who uses the game of basketball to figure out the game of life . The book Slam! is an all around good book and I strongly recommend to all MC students to give it a look.=====

=

 * //The Art of Racing in the Rain//**, by Garth Stein. This book is perfect for anyone who knows that love is not only for humans, and that the relationship between two souls who are meant for each other never really comes to an end. This book is very joyful in its language, creative in its narration, and affecting in its story. This story is great for many reasons; such as a dog who speaks the thrill of competitive racing, a heart tugging story line, and the fact that it is a reflection on humility and hope in the face of despair. This is an extrodinary novel not only because of the story line but also the life lessons that can be learned throughout the story.=====

=

 * //The Catcher in the Rye//**, by J.D. Salinger. I would recommend this book to all guys around the age of 15 who have ever felt that they did not fit in of felt that they were different from everybody else. it is about Holden Caulfield, a boy who has troubles fitting in and getting along with people. This story is one that people can easily relate to and it can help many young people find a way to fit in and find a place in the world .=====

=
//**The End**//, by Lemony Snicket. This is a great story that contains many twists and turns. However, it is the thirteenth book in A Series of Unfortunate Events. To really understand it, you most likely should read the first twelve books. The author does a swell job of keeping the reader guessing on what will happen next. Overall, this is a fun, easy read .=====

=
//**Thirteen Reasons Why**//, by Jay Asher. This is a story of strength and hardship. You can see in the mind of someone who is suicidal through the main chracter. You can also understand why someone would bring themselves to do such a thing and how each event in their life leads up to their decision. This is a unique story about the hardships of high school .=====

=
//**Heat**//, by Mike Lupica. I would definitely recommend this book to anybody who enjoys sports novels or just wants to read a good book. The story has many good morals, mainly perseverance. The story can relate to many teen athletes in the sense that no matter how much you love sports there are always other things that are going on and are much more important.=====

=
//**Murder on the Orient Express**//, by Agatha Christie. This novel is a well-written mystery story with a great storyline and rock solid characters. The story centers on Detective Hercule Poirot, who has booked winter passage on the fabled Orient Express. After the train hits and stalls at a snowdrift, it is discovered that an American man was murdered in his cabin during the night. What the detectice doesn't know, though, is that the very diverse group of passengers all have something to do with this murder, and they play a vital role in the greatest mystery ever solved by Poirot. This novel is full of suspense and makes you really think about the case and how it will play out. If you love mystery novels, you will love this book.=====

=
//**Halo: The Fall of Reach**//, by Eric S. Nyland. This book is full of excitemen t and action of Master Chief's adventures. It starts the story line for the "Game of the Year" award-winning game "Halo".=====

=
Also recommended by Dylan Klouda: The Fall of Reach also explains how the Spartan project began, and how the Covenant almost destroyed all of mankind. In the end, I would definitely recommend this book to any teenager who is interesting in reading a book full of suspense and violence."=====

=
//**Halo: The Flood**//, by William C. Dietz. An action-packed thriller that is set in the distant future. The story follows Master Chief, a surgically augmented supersoldier who was picked at a young age to become a weapon for the sake of mankind. This book is perfect for sci-fi lovers looking for a page turner.=====

=
//**Stormbreaker** by Anthony Horowitz. This a great book for freshmen and sophomores at Mt. Carmel to read. The book starts off with// mystery followed by action that keep the reader entertained until the end. Although the story can become predictable at times the author makes up for it by putting in twists and turns in the action novel that manages to flow easily. Overall this book keeps people entertained from beginning to end.=====

=

 * //The Pact//**, by Jodi Piccoult. The basic plot line: two teenagers, Chris and Emily, have been together for years as both friends and a couple. However, when Emily turns up dead in Chris's arms, it's impossible to tell what happened. A botched double suicide, homicide, suicide, no one really knows until court comes to session. In any case, it shows just how divided two very close families can be. Not only is it a good read that will keep you interested, but it also explores a very dark area in society that no one really wants to explore- suicide.=====

=

 * //The Stand//,** by Stephen King. To anyone who loves horror novels or movies, this one's for you. My favorite book of all time is . When a deadly plague wipes out 99% of the world's population, the remaining people must choose between good and evil. Evil is backed by a man with supernatural powers; good...well, maybe God's on their side. In any case, this is a very good book, as it clearly defines how people are impartial- humans always choose sides no matter what.=====